One unique part of me as a Mandarin tutor is that with the work experience as a private tour operator for English speaking customers for over a decade, my experience gave me an very unique perspective on how to engage people’s mind when I am trying to create a constant flow of information. 

Let me tell you a little bit about myself and my own journey learning English and sharing Chinese history, culture, and language with others.

I was born in Beijing in Chaoyang Hospital.  My parents were both factory workers until I was 5 year old. 

 My parents opened their own fruit stand when it was unusual for Chinese citizens to start their own small private businesses. 

I helped out in their fruit stand from the age of 5 and it sparked the spirit of entrepreneurship that I've had ever since. 

Realizing that learning English was the way to be connected with the rest of the world, I started teaching myself English in High School.

I would teach myself by memorizing the China Daily, which is China's main English-language national newspaper; attending local English corners to practice speaking; and repeatedly watching episodes of "Friends."  

When I worked at China World Hotel (the premiere 5-star hotel in Beijing at the time) as a doorman/bellboy, I took courses in the evening to work towards my degree in English.  While working full-time, I received my English degree in two years.

A co-worker told me about an international travel company looking for guides to take overseas on bike tours of China. I quickly decided that the guide job would be a great job for me so that I could practice my English as well as travel around China.

I started working for REI Adventure from 2000 to 2005, and in that time I led at least 20 cross country bike tours in China, plus another two bike tours from China to Vietnam.

As the leader of the group, I did everything from planning the route, preparing the picnic, being the team bike mechanic as well as coordinating between the crew, staff at the hotels and restaurant.

In 2004, after spending 21 days travelling along the Silk Road China portion with a group of New Zealand travelers, the group decided that they would like to invite me to visit their country.

One person in the group (whom I am still friends with, whom I referred as my "New Zealand" mom) raised money to enroll me a 6-month tourism course at a college in Christchurch so I could have a visa to visit New Zealand.

My time in New Zealand turned out to be such an eye-opening experience. Up till then I had never visited, let alone lived in a Western country before.

With the knowledge of tourism industry that I learned, the hospitality and support that I have received from New Zealand,  I got back to Beijing and decided to start my own travel company offering customized tours to English speaking visitors to Beijing, Stretch-a-leg Travel in 2006.

One unique character is that we could provide our clients with the uniquely authentic chance to experience China from the perspective of locals.

 Since I have started my own travel company, I had a chance to provide private tours to at least 3,000 customers from all over the world. I had the pleasure to be the guide for the family of the Prime Minister, John Key's family.

You can even watch a video of me leading a tour of Beijing's historical hutongs that aired on CBS Sunday Morning below:

In 2013 I relocated to New York City.

Based on my own experience teaching myself English, I deeply understand the difficulties and frustrations of learning a foreign language.

From my experience explaining China’s long and rich history in concise and interesting ways to travelers, I also know how to transform the language learning process into a fun and engaging one.

Seeking to gain more skills for cross-culture education, I enrolled in NYU’s StarTalk Immersion Training Program for the Teachers of Chinese for Elementary Students Course.

I enjoyed learning language teaching theories and techniques developed in recent years which turned out to be similar techniques that I used when I was learning English.

With the work experience of over a decade as a private tour operator for English speaking customers, I have a unique perspective on how to engage people’s mind in a cross-cultural way.

Whether it is a young student who just starting taking mandarin, or adults who has lived in China for years before, I can always keep the student engaged and reach the proficiency targets for language study.

Now I'm here in New York City eager to continue sharing Chinese history, culture, and language with you.  

Give me a call at (917) 916 1011 or email me at ChineseTutorTony@gmail.com