Garve Mandarin Tutors and Garve Mandarin Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a Chinese native speaker who is fascinated by my own culture and language and have a passion to teach this great subject and keen to share the beauty of my language with others.
I hold a master's degree in International Chinese Education, and I am also a qualify teacher in UK. I have over 16 years of teaching Chinese with experience in all aspects of Chinese language teaching. I keep up to date Chinese teaching method using course book, ppt, teaching and learning materials from website, etc. I have a good understanding of the problems which students encounter, and I am committed to helping them to achieve their aims. I have taught students of different backgrounds, ages and abilities.

Teaching Experience:
My experience included:
Teaching my own children Chinese.
As a Chinese community teacher.
As a Chinese Oral Examiner (Mandarin and Cantonese) in Excel Centre
As a Chinese teacher at a local government funding adult learning center.
Employed by different language agent as a freelance Chinese tutor.
Self employed as private Chinese tutor.

Tutoring Approach:
I would stick to one or two straightforward objectives for one lesson and kept my materials as simple as possible. I would use contrasting pictures, colour word cards and self-made flashcards in order to make the lesson interesting and easy to follow. When presenting new grammar, I always try to kept it basic and simple. Moreover, I would use self-made puzzles to guided the learners to using logic, intuition and elimination to make up a character. It is also important to make learning fun and entertaining so I would try to maintain some humour when teaching. I would like to make the lessons interesting, enjoyable and memorable and students obtain the knowledge of the Chinese language through entertaining and the subconscious way. Last but not least, I would use up-to-date course books and learning material.


**PLEASE NOTE: The tuition fees show below are based in my own home and online tuition. Travelling/time fees will be added if you require me to travel to your place. Thank you!**

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Personal Description:
I am a PGCE-qualified teacher with two Master's degrees, and I also serve as a Cambridge International examiner. My teaching expertise covers Mandarin GCSE (9-1), IGCSE, GCE (A level), HSK, Japanese GCSE (9-1), and JLPT qualifications. I teach my students both on-site and via Zoom for private students.

Teaching Experience:
I teach both Mandarin and Japanese at local independent schools and universities, and I am also an experienced private tutor. I instruct both simplified and traditional Chinese, as well as Japanese, to both native and non-native students, including professionals. Over the past decade, my students have consistently achieved outstanding results in Edexcel Chinese (9-1) and Japanese GCSEs (9-1), earning A* and Grade 9. Additionally, they have excelled with As in A-level Chinese.

I've successfully tutored numerous students who pursued further 'Oriental studies' at Oxford University, completed an MPhil in Chinese studies at Oxford, and Japanese at Leeds University and Cardiff University.

In addition, I possess a strong working knowledge of the national curriculum and am very familiar with the demands and expectations of both state and independent schooling.

Tutoring Approach:
Encouraging, effective, student-centered approach, and developing a love for learning.

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Personal Description:
My name is Phoebe. I'm a native Chinese speaker who moved to England 22 years ago. I am now a British Citizen and have lived in Chesham for 20 years. I gained my MBA at the University of Leicester in 2002. I have two daughters, and both speak Mandarin fluently. I used to work for an insurance company as an auditor, and now I am a full-time Chinese Tutor.

I have gained two teaching certificates: "Teaching Chinese to Young Learners" and "Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language". I have been working as a Chinese tutor since 2009.

I have also tutored several students who went on to achieve top grades in their GCSE Chinese exams, and I currently teach at a private school in the Chalfont area. Teaching is truly my passion, and I'm committed to helping every learner reach their full potential.
If you or your child feel you could benefit from extra support, I'd be delighted to help.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch.

*****Congrats to my student Azaan M, who gained an 8 in GCSE in 2026*****
*****Congrats to my student Chokhmah J, who gained a 9 in GCSE in 2025*****
*****Congrats to my student: Loarn L, who gained an A in IGCSE in 2025*****
*****Congrats to my student Mungo L, who passed HSK Level 4 in 2024*****
*****Congrats to my student Nathaniel P, who passed HSK Level 2 in 2024*****
*****Congrats to my student Nathaniel P, who passed HSK Level 2 in 2024*****
*****Congrats to my student Mungo L, who gained an A* in IGCSE in 2023*****
*****Congrats to my student Sophie A, who gained an 8 in GCSE in 2022*****
*****Congrats to my student Eleanor P, who passed HSK Level 3 in 2021*****
*****Congrats to my student Charis P, who passed HSK Level 3 in 2020*****
*****Congrats to my student Jocelyn S, who gained a 9 in GCSE in 2019*****
*****Congrats to my student Jo-Emma B, who gained an A in GCSE in 2015*****

Teaching Experience:
I have extensive experience teaching children, teenagers, and adults, and I offer both group lessons and one‑to‑one sessions. Each format has its own strengths:
• In group classes, you benefit from interacting with other learners, which helps build confidence and conversational skills.
• In one‑to‑one lessons, the content is fully tailored to your personal goals, pace, and interests.
Whichever option you choose, you'll find that both are excellent ways to learn Chinese effectively and enjoyably.
Over the years, I've taught students from a wide range of nationalities, including learners from the UK, America, Canada, Russia, Germany, and South Africa. It has been a joy helping them progress, and we've shared many memorable moments along the way.
If you'd like to read some of their references, I'm happy to provide them upon request.

Tutoring Approach:
🌟Give Your Child the Gift of Mandarin! 🌟
This is a fantastic opportunity for your child to learn Chinese Mandarin in a small, supportive group of just six students. I'm an experienced Mandarin tutor and have been teaching since 2009. My lessons are interactive, engaging, and designed to help children learn quickly while genuinely enjoying the process.
✨ Why join?
• Small group size for personalised attention
• Fun, dynamic lessons that keep children motivated
• Suitable for complete beginners through to advanced learners
• A warm, encouraging learning environment
📚 Levels: Beginner to Advanced
⏳ Only four places left - book now to secure a spot!

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Personal Description:
I am a native Chinese and I come from northeast of China - Chang Chun, where the first movie and car were made in China, and it also has the most numbers of the universities in China.

I came to the UK in 2007, and I feel grateful and joyful to experience this dynamic culture and to meet many interesting and decent people.

I love food, music, movies, and spending time in nature. I am interested in healthy living and different cultures, I like to visit and explore new places, meet people, and most importantly, to serve others with the skills and talents I have.

Teaching Experience:
I started teaching Mandarin in 2002 where I volunteered to teach 7 western teachers at Jilin University, where I studied in China, and I gained my first teaching experience.

A year later after my graduation I went on working for Dao Hang Language Institution in China as an English teacher. I taught both children and adults, and from then I realised that each student had their own unique way of learning, and teaching should be tailored according to each individual's need.

I also provided Mandarin lessons to corporate staff whist working as a PA in GE and Philips in China.

After settling in the UK, I started providing private lessons from October 2009 and I taught in schools, companies, and individuals in London and Cambridge. I helped students achieved their GCSE/AS/A2 levels, and currently I am preparing a student for his HSK exam, and another student for his GCSE exam in 2022.

I have been receiving positive feedback from my students, and as a result, some of them increased their weekly lessons with me.

In 2021 I was recruited by Cambridge Assessment as an examiner for the Mandarin subject.

Tutoring Approach:
When it comes to learning a language, if we watch the way how a young child is learning, he/she spends most of the time listening first and then imitating, and with the language environment, he/she flourishes. This is the most natural approach.

When it comes to learning a new language as an adult, I know (because I have done it and I have seen others done it too) that within each one of us we still have the potential to activate that part of the brain which allows us to acquire and absorb the new language subconsciously, or simply put, to have a feel for it!

In my lessons I usually combine listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. My students submerge in a lot of listening and speaking at the early stage of the lessons, and then we move onto reading and sometimes storytelling, depending on the age group. I do my best to understand each of my students' learning needs, goals and interest and tailor the lessons by increasing certain activities, along with Chinese culture and customs explained.

We do have a touch on grammar too, but not in a sense trying to memorise them, it is rather as a guidance.

I believe Mandarin or any language can be easily acquired through this natural approach with time and effort, and I will be here with you taking every step on this amazing journey!

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Personal Description:
I am passionate about teaching languages, mostly orientals, and also coaching martial arts and self defence. I coach the IWTA-EWTO-WingTsun 梁挺詠春拳.

In the first 12 weeks of the beginners program you'll learn the basics for a proactive and "pre-emptive" self defence and to deal with the most "common" types of attacks. This is the Blitz-Defence program.

Afterward you start a more sophisticated training program where you learn to deal with an aggressor in a less violent way by using our unique tactile skills training method.

I can assure you, you will terminate every lesson by learning something new and useful! All I need is your concentration.

Due to the contact nature of this martial art I cam only teach in person and not online

Teaching Experience:
Currently tutoring Italian (advanced level) and Japanese (basic level) in all the 4 skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).

January 2012 - PRESENT: I have been teaching Italian language since January 2012 on 1-2-1 base and via skype when I am abroad.

February 2012 - April 2012: I taught Japanese language for absolute beginners via skype.

April 2010 - February 2012: I taught at The Mill Languages School, in Macclesfield town centre: Mandarin, Japanese, German. In particular I have taught German language to a tailored group to refresh their skills.

August 2015 - 2016. Tutoring Japanese language to beginner level via skype. I taught to school teachers who are planning to travel to Japan and teach English, they need a minimum fluency to go by.

....however; nothing can beat the experience I have matured over these past 2 years. I need your full committment over a term period (3 months). I need a quite learning environment where I can focus on your progress; either a public library or my house; coffee shop may work depending on the time we agree.

Tutoring Approach:
I am based in Macclesfield and I teach in an informal and yet methodical way; I can teach colloquial and formal languages.

As for martial art for self-defence (WingTsun Kungfu 梁挺詠春拳) I have been teaching privately at different venues.
Each 1-2-1 class has to be booked. I combine the Kungfu system with my experience in working with body awareness and body technique at contact.
This is a very diverse method of teaching in comparison to the mainstream as it involves not just the purely choreographic aspect but a more comprehensive.

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Personal Description:
I am a native Chinese speaker and can speak fluent Cantonese and Mandarin.
I also teach Piano, Trombone, Double Bass and Music Theory up to Grade 8 and Jazz Piano up to Grade 5 as I have all the qualifications in those instruments.
Piano lesson starting from £40 per hours depends on level.

Teaching Experience:
I have 16 years of teaching experience of Music, Maths and Chinese.

Tutoring Approach:
I am patient in teaching and would like to work together with student step by step until they understand all the things.

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Personal Description:
I graduated from Durham University with an MA Education and I have Qualified Teacher Status specialised in Chinese teaching. My Bachelor degree was 'Chinese Literature'. I have a recent CRB check, Mandarin teaching experience at both private and state schools in London and East Sussex. I also have experiences of private tuition (age 8 months to 23 years old, from complete beginner to university level) and real passion for this career.

I have been teaching at a private school in London for almost 10 years. Prior to that, I taught at a prestigious private school in Sussex for three years. In the past few years, I have also been working as an A-Level Mandarin examiner. During my teaching placements I've came across a range of students with different abilities, and I have managed to help them achieve outstanding results with a variety of teaching strategies.

I am punctual, easy-going, patient with strong academic background together with a range of teaching experiences. If you would like a weekday evening, weekend or summer Mandarin intensive courses (areas: calligraphy, tourism, business, culture, exam preparation or even Chinese cookery!!), please feel free to drop me an email :)

I'd love to hear from you.

Teaching Experience:
1. Helped my tutee to pass his HSK4 exam within eight weeks of learning;
2. Years of teaching the English secondary school curriculum.
3. Every year of teaching, my students achieved 100% A-A*.
4. Lots of experience in HSK and business tuition.

Tutoring Approach:
I have plenty of interests and these can also be involved in extra-curricular activities in terms of Mandarin teaching, such as singing, cooking and calligraphy.

In order to build up an interactive learning atmosphere, I will mainly utilise the Communicative Language Teaching Method (CLT), which focuses on cultural aspects. I will also use other teaching approaches in accordance with the purpose of learning, learners' age and their language backgrounds.

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Personal Description:
I am qualified in Mandarin Chinese teaching both in China and in the UK and have successfully delivered lessons to learners at all levels in the UK in the past 15 years. Recently I also began to teach Guzheng music for beginners.

Except for face-to-face teaching, I also offer online lessons via Skype for international students from distant side of the world.

With plenty of thoughtful design, I will make sure each individual students' lessons with me are unique and tailor-made, every lesson is enjoyable, creative and effective.

In my spare time I enjoy Chinese calligraphy & Chinese tea art, playing Guzheng, Guqin & bamboo flute( three traditional Chinese classical music instruments), and study Chinese & English literature.

Teaching Experience:
Years of Mandarin teaching experience both in China and in the UK to students at all levels and age groups; experience in designing and delivering bespoke learning material (including audio lessons) tailored to individual needs.

I have successfully delivered Mandarin teaching in the following areas:
• Academic discussions on Chinese culture and history
• Business and business negotiation
• Vocational / exam study
• Casual (Incl. Conversational Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, etc.)

I also have experience in:
• Interpreting &translation both in China and in the UK, broadcasting work in China
• Teaching private Guzheng lesson and Playing Guzheng & Guqin music for public Performances
• Teaching private Yoga lesson

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that a successful lesson should be able to engage students in a fun and active study relevant to real life situations, so I use a wide range of teaching methods, materials and activities.
My teaching activities are carefully designed to encourage students' interests and stimulate their creativity.
I guide students to make best use of their imagination to help their each individual lesson fun and effective.
I tailor my lessons based on every individual's needs, capabilities and personality.
I understand and convey linguistic and cultural nuances, based on my affinity with languages.

Extra support: I design tailored extra supporting material for individual needs, offer free flash cards and encourage my students to share coursework with each other. Besides, I also give advices to parents on supporting children to review or make use of what they learnt in their daily life, etc.

About my Fees: Discount available for group bookings.

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Personal Description:
I am a current student of University of Exeter, pursing a degree in Law. I have recently moved here from Singapore so as to pursue further education. I have been learning Mandarin (amongst other subject, English being one of them) since the age of 7 I have also gotten an A for Chinese in my GCSE 'O' Level.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught a primary school student on Mandarin and Math.

Tutoring Approach:
Be patient and calm.

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Personal Description:
I am a Malaysian who can speak English, Chinese, Cantonese and Malay Language. I have completed my undergraduate degree in Food Science and Nutrition before working as a home tutor for 1 year. Currently, I study Msc in Nutritional Science at University of Nottingham.

Teaching Experience:
1 year teaching experience starting from Sept 2015 to Sept 2016 where I used to teach Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Mandarin.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a friendly tutor and patient in teaching. I guide my student patiently and slowly if they find it hard to understand the topic.

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Personal Description:
Qualification:(ICA)International Certificate Of Accreditation In Teaching Chinese As A Foreign Language.
I am kind and patient person. I love children and I have passion to teach people Chinese ( Mandarin). Native speak mandarin; excellent written and verbal; Always encourage and always find new way to help children or adults to quickly understand and grasp the Chinese meaning.

I live in UK for more than 13 years, I have family and 2 children.

Teaching Experience:
so far, I work at Milton Keynes Chinese School and private lesson. Also I have many years of experience at school in China, teaching students privately and in school classes ranging from beginner to upper-intermediate/advanced. Experience of working with young children of different cultural backgrounds and designing lessons to suit individual needs. I completed the International Mandarin Teaching qualifications.

Tutoring Approach:
For one on one lesson or online
Age :3 years old - adult
Level: Beginner-Senior

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Personal Description:
I am an outgoing, patient, and hard-working girl with short hair. I have finished both of my master's degrees at the University of Warwick within the field of Engineering and started to work on my Ph.D. degree from the Nov of 2020 for Autonomous Vehicle also at the University of Warwick.

Outside of my academic work, I have pursued many extracurricular undertakings throughout my life. During my undergraduate study, I served as the University of Liverpool Flash Mob Society President and led huge street performance activities which were broadcast by CCTV13 and several other television channels. Despite attending school in China, I took English A-Levels and I have attained high marks in English language exams. Further, I am a talented musician and, at the age of 11, I obtained a Level 9 certification (UK Grade 8 equivalent) in the electric organ. Also able to join several excellent internship opportunities.

Teaching Experience:
I have been worked in a company which teaches English to under-achieving Chinese children. These experiences have greatly improved my skills in self-assessment, teamwork and communication.

I have taught some friends I met at the University who were interested in Mandarin and after a term, they can do simple conversation with me.

Tutoring Approach:
I prefer to teach Mandarin based on a book with exercises on it. But I also believe that the most effective way to learn a language is freestyle conversation with different theme after several basic lessons. I am very patient and love to teach children during playing small games with them. During the current Covid-19 situations, the online meeting is preferred.

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Personal Description:
I am bilingual, cross-cultural understanding Chinese Mandarin teacher. Being a native Chinese Mandarin speaker and having about ten years teaching experience on private and classroom Chinese Mandarin and helping vast numbers of children and adults to achieve their goals, I offer Chinese Mandarin classes for all age-children to adults, individually and in group, for all levels, all goals.

Teaching Experience:
I have about ten years teaching experience on private and classroom Chinese Mandarin and helping vast numbers of children and adults to achieve their goals.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor lessons for different clients on their level, age and goals. I can bring you a fresh, enjoyable Chinese learning experience. I believe that learning a language is not only about class time - it is about being immersed into a culture and experiencing everything it has to offer. It will be a fun and interactive way along your learning.

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Personal Description:
I graduated from Imperial in 2015, studying mathematics & statistics, and am currently working as a consultant at McKinsey London.
A-level results: 4As*1A for Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Economics and Thinking Skills.
I am passionate about teaching and have been teaching since 2011.

Academic subjects help:
I have been tutoring Maths, English, Physics, and Mandarin since 2011.
I have also taught classes at top schools around the world.
My specialty is with coaching high performing students who are preparing for entrance exams such as Oxford MAT, STEP, and public school exam preps; and mathematical competitions such as the Math Olympiads, UKMT challenges etc.
I also like helping out with math projects.

Job hunting help:
With working experiences/job offers/internships at top consulting firms, accounting firms, investment banking firms, and FTSE100 firms. I can help with CV writing, technical and tests taking skills, and interview preparations to boost your chances to get jobs. I can also help with more specialised skills for consulting jobs.

Additional information:
-Language speaking and writing skills:
English, Mandarin (first languages)
Malay, Hokkien/Taiwanese, Cantonese (fluent)
French (beginner)
-Awards and Scholarships:
Silver and Bronze medals for various Mathematical Olympiads
Champion for the University of Waterloo`s Euclid Mathematics competition
7 High Distinctions from Australian Math Competitions and New South Wales Math Competition
Offered the prestigious ASEAN Scholarship to study in Singapore for my GCSE and A-level
Other private scholarships to further my studies in colleges and universities

Teaching Experience:
-9 years of tutoring experience.
-Imperial College London M3T Module - Distinction:
mini-thesis on: Difference in teaching approaches between top Asian schools and top British Schools.
-Taught more than 50 students on GCSE, AS, A-level, and university level maths, further maths, and (up to A-level) physics; and have taught many kids and adults learning Mandarin.
-Successfully prepped more than 10 students to qualify for BMO1 and BMO2, and have also coached an IMO gold medallist.
-Worked with UniAdmissions to prep students for Oxbridge Maths, physics and engineering interviews.
-Teaching experiences at top schools: St. Pauls School London, Catholic High School Singapore etc.
-Helped many adults, and university students with job hunting skills.

Tutoring Approach:
I prefer classes to be carried out in small groups, or ideally, one to one.
I try to make the lessons as fun and engaging as possible, as from my experience, that`s the best way to make students want to learn, and remember what they`ve learned.
I use the `5 whys?` approach to prompt student to think by themselves and work towards the answer rather than just relying on the tutor to give them the answers.
If my students show great potential or interest, I am more than willing to introduce more challenging questions and concepts that can be beyond the syllabus (upon request).
I will explain every formula that are introduced briefly so that students first understand how and why they work, which will help them a lot in remembering and when/how to apply them.

Occasionally, A small test will be carried out to judge students` level at the first lesson, I will then have a small chat with them to understand which parts they have least confidence in and know their requirements and aims to ensure we get on track and work towards the correct direction.

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Personal Description:
Hey everyone! This is Jaycee from Hong Kong. I love art and fashion. I relish teaching, playing tennis ,watching movies and making ceramics. I am energetic and passionate in education and I have a sense of humour and like to explore new things.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified and accredited English and Mandarin teacher while my mother tongue is Cantonese as I am a Hong Kongese. Having been teaching in secondary school up to the sixth formers for years, I have rich experience in assisting students in mastering the language and identifying their room for improvement to shoot stars and boost their confidence , as well as finding the meaning of learning languages with inspiration and thought-provoking questions. I have received training in SEN in universities in Melbourne and got experience in teaching SEN students.

Tutoring Approach:
It depends on the needs, level, strengths and background of students to make adjustments on what sort of teaching mode and materials would be appropriate to help them fulfil their potential and excel, reaching or go beyond their target.

Making learning enjoyable and irresistible is the key to enhance the cognitive reception and performance of learners.
Thus, having a tutor is more for getting support and sharpening skills to lay a solid foundation for building your blocks higher.

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Personal Description:
I'm passionate about teaching languages and admittedly spend far too much time preparing lessons or so I'm told at home! My greatest motivation comes from the sense of achievement when my students are able to express themselves more in their target language.

I'm a qualified teacher from Hong Kong with 15 years of experience in teaching Mandarin and English, and I have met the professional requirements for language teachers in both subjects.

I studied Linguistics in university, and achieved a score of 90.7 in the Putonghua Proficiency Test. I understanding challenges my students may face when learning a second language, and I am confident in teaching Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) using English as medium of instruction.

Tell me your expectations and let me tailor lesson plans and teaching materials just for you.

Teaching Experience:
- 3.5 year experience in online teaching (Mandarin, Cantonese and English)
- Invigilating GCSE & A-Level Chinese (Speaking - Mandarin & Cantonese)
- 15 year full time teaching (Mandarin and English) in secondary schools in Hong Kong

Tutoring Approach:
I feel genuinely happy for my student, a new dad in a bilingual English-Cantonese family!!

Congratulations to my student who can now give a short presentation in Cantonese and write a paragraph of over 70 characters! Believe it or not, her handwriting is better than that of many primary school students in Hong Kong -- I'm so proud of her:)

My 11 year old student has also learnt to tell her favourite story, Finding Nemo, in Mandarin while preparing for the musical at school. We both enjoyed talking about the characters and writing the story together -- it was so much fun!

Tell me your learning goals, and I'll tailor lesson plans and teaching materials just for you.

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Personal Description:
Hi, my name is SSU. I am from Taiwan. I am happy to say hi to all the people who might be interested in learning Mandarin.
I am willing to discuss your learning preference and design the teaching plan. I am currently living in Manchester (M11). I am happy to provide an in-person teaching nearby or provide a lesson online.

Teaching Experience:
I was a primary school teacher when I lived in Taiwan. I used to tutor primary school-age students in Mandarin and English.
Moreover, my interests and degree are related to art, therefore, I taught art to a wide range of ages students in Taiwan and the UK.

About my Mandarin teaching, I mainly gained some experience from my language exchange partners, and I am passionate about it. Therefore, I hope that I can teach more people to approach their goals.

Tutoring Approach:
I have an online resource for teaching using. Therefore, I will follow the Mandarin teaching textbook to guide learners. In addition, I would like to create slides to show my teaching content. Moreover, I will provide homework for students to practice.

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Personal Description:
I am a full-time Mandarin Chinese tutor in the UK. I hold a PhD in Applied Linguistics from Newcastle University, as well as a Certificate in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language. I am a positive, reliable and supportive tutor, and I like to create a friendly and encouraging learning environment. I firmly believe that a relaxed atmosphere can lead to more effective learning. I
have a high student retention rate, with many students continuing to learn with me for a long time. I offer a free 20 minutes online initial consultation. Enhanced DBS check, academic qualifications, and references are available upon request.

I can help with
*General Mandarin and more, such as Business Chinese, Chinese for travel, character reading and writing, graded reading etc.
*Exam Support ( GCSE, IGCSE, A Level, HSK).
*Personalised lesson planning
*All ages and levels
*1 to 1 & small group
* Online & in person

Outside of teaching, I am a mum to two teenage boys. Even though they don't need me as much as they used to, they still keep me busy! In my spare time, I love reading, walking and watching movies.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Chinese in the UK for over 15 years and have taught learners of all ages and levels, both in private and group settings. My teaching experience also includes working with local schools and institutions. I also work as a visiting speaking examiner for GCSE and A Level Mandarin, and regularly visit local schools to conduct speaking exams. Before moving to the UK in 2005, I worked as a secondary school English teacher in Taiwan.

Some recent reviews shared by students and parents I have supported.

"I have been working with Fenlan or laoshi for the past 5 months now and am pleased to say I'm very happy with her teaching approach and overall attitude to work. I first met Fenlan through first tutors whom I'm very pleased with also for finding such a fantastic teacher for me but also having a really reasonable finders fee which I was very appreciative of. I was interested in Chinese for a while and I decided I wanted to learn as an interest and hobby I looked one for more information when I came across first tutors. I had a good look at their website and decided to ask if anyone would like to teach me, Fenlan agreed and I have been learning for the past 5 months now making steady progress with which I'm happy with and enjoying. Fenlan has a good nature is easy to get along with and very patient with a great sense of humour that makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. I would recommend her to anyone I can't imagine there is better. Thanks so much to first tutors and thank you Fenlan.
~Dean Allan, Newcastle~

"My son has had an excellent experience so far with Fenlan, his Mandarin tutor. Lessons are engaging, well-structured, and tailored to his level, which has really boosted his confidence. Highly recommended." ~Jill, Newcastle~

"My daughter has had a few weeks of lessons with Fenlan and we have been amazed at the progress she has made in this short time from her teaching. Fenlan is patient, highly organized and talented, and we are extremely glad we found her. We are happy to recommend her without hesitation." ~Ian, London~

Tutoring Approach:
My lessons are highly interactive, with plenty of conversation mixed with grammar and exercises. Although my lessons are fun and enjoyable, I also make sure they are challenging enough to suit different abilities and levels. I also bring Chinese cultural knowledge and culture-related activities into my lessons, so you are not just learning the Chinese language, but also getting to know and appreciate the rich culture behind it.

I tailor my lessons to each student's individual needs. We will discuss your needs and goals together, and I will create a personalised plan for you. We can also make changes to the plan whenever needed as your learning progresses.

Lessons are usually based on a textbook suitable for your level. I will recommend a textbook for you to purchase. I find textbooks useful because they provide a clear structure for learning, with important language points introduced in a logical, step-by-step way. I will also supply extra digital materials whenever they are useful. (If you are doing a short course just for exam prep, a textbook might not even be necessary.)

I encourage students to learn character reading and writing from the beginning. You may find this challenging and it can make the initial stages of learning a little slower, but it will benefit you greatly in the long run. However, I understand that students have different goals and preferences, so we can adjust the balance between speaking, listening, reading and writing according to your needs. If you prefer to focus mainly on speaking and listening, we can do that too.

Once students have learned around 150 words commonly used characters, I will gradually introduce graded reading into their learning. I have found it helps improve reading skills, reinforce vocabulary and character recognition, and give students greater sense of progress and achievement. It can also be a fun and enjoyable way to meet familiar language in a meaningful way.

Homework is given regularly to help consolidate your learning. Throughout my teaching career, I have seen how helpful homework can be, and I always encourage my students to do it when possible. However, I also understand that every student is different, especially adult learners who have to use their time outside work to learn Chinese. So, if you don't have time to complete your homework, I promise you won't be punished! 😀

You may find that Chinese is not as difficult as you think once you give it a go. I firmly believe that, with the help of the right tutor, you can overcome the challenges that may come with learning Chinese.

Good luck with your learning, and I look forward to hearing from you!

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