Meet the LTL Team

Felix 冯敏强

Chinese Language Teacher

Where are you from?
Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province.

What are your teaching qualifications
Chinese language teaching certification.

When did you start teaching Chinese?
I started teaching in 2010, my first teaching job was with LTL.

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
My badminton racquet. I have played badminton for a long time and still enjoy it as much as when I first started.

Favourite Chinese dish?
Kung Pao chicken, or as we say in Chinese, gōng bǎo jī dīng – 宫保鸡丁

Where is your favourite place to go in Beijing?
I love museums, and Beijing has so many great museums I just can’t pick one. The Beijing Museum is an obvious choice though.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
Make studying a habit, and make sure you review every day.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I am not that old, but I am the oldest teacher at LTL.

What is your favorite place in China and why?
My hometown, Harbin. I love snow!

Linda 李甜

Chinese Language Teacher

Where are you from?
Xi’an in Shanxi province, famous for the Terracotta Army.

What are your teaching qualifications
Bachelor degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, as well as CET-6 English qualification.

When did you start teaching Chinese?
I started teaching in 2012, and that is also when I started working for LTL.

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
A cup, because I like to drink hot water. Working as a teacher I need to talk a lot and hot water is important to me

Favourite Chinese dish?
Shanxi style lamb skewers.

Where is your favourite place to go in Beijing?
The Temple of the Sun.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
You need to use it every day, that way even stupid people can learn Chinese as well.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I can tie cherry stems into knots with my tongue and not drool while doing it.

What is your favorite place in China and why?
I really like Hangzhou, but as I travel more and more I keep discovering new places. Maybe soon I will discover a new favorite place?

Andreas Laimböck 周浩辰

Founder

Where are you from?
Austria and Germany.

What are your teaching qualifications?
I’m not a teacher, but I am a qualified HSK examiner.

How long have you been with LTL?
Since the first day LTL started in a little coffee shop in the CBD of Beijing.

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
A football, because I am a big football fan and regularly watch Beijing Guo’an games, especially when we are playing against Shanghai.

Favourite colour?
Blue and yellow, as you can see from the school logo.

Favourite Chinese dish?
Málà xiāng guō 麻辣香锅. It is based on what Mongolian horsemen would eat when riding through the steppe. They hunted and gathered vegetables during the day and in the evening stir fry them all together in their helmets. It’s a bit more hygienic and sophisticated today, but the concept is still the same and tastes amazing.

Where is your favourite place to go in Beijing?
The little square between the Drum and the Bell Tower in Beijing old town after work when the tourists have left. Sitting on the steps of the Bell Tower with a cold beer. I enjoy watching the old women square dance, children skate and everyone else relax on the square after work while the sun is setting. This is an amazing moment.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Beijng of course. And so I did.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Sidney Rittenberg. He came to China as a US soldier in the 1940s and stayed until the 80s. I would love to hear his stories.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
Speak, listen and experience Mandarin every day. Don’t speak English. Immerse yourself into a Chinese language environment. It can be a challenge sometimes but experiencing real China is an incredible adventure and your Mandarin skills will improve very quickly if you are truly immersed.
Also get your tones under control right at the beginning. Once you pick up bad pronunciation habits it is very difficult to change them later.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I failed English and French in high school and had the lowest Mandarin scores of my class at university. Today I am a HSK examiner. Anyone can learn Mandarin.

What is your favorite place in China and why?
Pingyao 平遥. It was China’s financial capital during the Qing dynasty and today is an incredibly well preserved old Chinese town, about three hours by train West of Beijing. When walking along the city walls through the old town it can sometimes feel like as if a couple of ancient Confucian scholars or Manchu warriors might be just around the corner. It’s a magical place.

Maria 高媛

Student Advisor

Where are you from?
The city of Baotou in Inner Mongolia

How long have you been with LTL?
I have been a Chinese teacher since 2007, but don’t do classes anymore. I have been with LTL since 2010.

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
I brought in a toy horse. My daughter’s zodiac is horse. I really admire the horses stamina

Favourite Chinese dish?
Shredded pork in hot garlic sauce also named Yú xiāng ròu sī (鱼香肉丝)

Where is your favourite place to go in Beijing?
The museums in Beijing, there are so many to choose from.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Myself 20 years in the future.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
Be patient, listen a lot, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I used to be a football cheerleader when I was in University.

What is your favorite place in China and why?
Any secluded, quiet place by the sea.

Jacqueline 于宏梅

Chinese Language Teacher

Where are you from?
Yantai in Shandong province in Eastern China

What are your teaching qualifications
Chinese language teaching certification combined with professional knowledge and experience.

When did you start teaching Chinese?
I have been teaching for a long time, I started around 2007. I have been with LTL since 2011.

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
A card with my favorite bible verse on it, these words help me stay motivated and give me strength.

Favourite Chinese dish?
Anything with potatoes really. Especially sour and spicy potato shreds suān là tǔdòu sī
酸辣土豆丝.

Where is your favourite place to go in Beijing?
The Great Wall, no matter how many times I go to visit it always takes my breath away.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
Make sure that you choose learning materials that suit you. You need to spend a lot of time practicing every aspect of the language so it should be done in a way you’re comfortable with. Be it books or apps, find the tools which work for you.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I once focused so much on preparing for an exam that I didn’t sleep or eat for three days. Despite this I didn’t feel sleepy or hungry, just focused on my goal.

What is your favorite place in China and why?
Beijing because it’s a historical city. It is also a very tolerant place full of opportunities. I am amazed by how many talented people there are here.

Helen 白雪

Chinese Language Teacher

Where are you from?
Harbin, in the very north of China.

What are your teaching qualifications?
A bachelor degree in “Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language”

When did you start teaching Chinese?
From 2004. I have been teaching at LTL since 2014

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
A ping pong paddle and a ball. It is China’s national sport and I played a lot in high school.

Favourite Chinese dish?
Spicy hot pot.

Where is your favourite place to go in Beijing?
什刹海 – Shíchàhǎi I enjoy evening strolls around the lake. I appreciate the scenery and how it fills me with serenity.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
If you want to learn Chinese, the most important thing is to become interested in Chinese language and culture. It’s also useful to make as many Chinese friends as possible, just don’t speak English with them!

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
When I need to calm my self down, I just think of the sea, the blue water, and the sound of the waves.

What is your favorite place in China and why?
Jingpohu (镜泊湖) National Forest Park in my home province of Heilongjiang as the nature and the lakes are beautiful.

Alice 姜秋

Student Advisor

Where are you from?
I’m originally from sunny Manchester in the UK.

How long have you been with LTL?
I have been with LTL since 2017.

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
I brought my favourite tea and the book I’m currently reading, because it’s my idea of a nice, chilled out afternoon.

Favourite Chinese dish?
I enjoy Shaanxi noodles (the famous Biangbiang Mian) and pork sandwich (Roujiamo).

Where is your favourite place to go in Beijing?
My old rooftop in Beixinqiao.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
Don’t give up!

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I don’t like mashed potato. Unless it’s the yummy Yunnan kind, for that I would make an exception

What is your favorite place in China and why?
For sure, Beijing! For living anyway. For travelling I’d definitely recommend going to some parts of North-Western China like going Buddha-hopping across Gansu. There’s a big Buddha with a moustache in town called Gangu.

Angelina 江燕

Immersion Specialist

Where are you from?
I am from Jiangsu province in eastern China.

How long have you been with LTL?
I have been with LTL since 2016.

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
A picture of my dog, he brings me lots of joy and makes me happy every day. He’s a member of my family!

Favourite Chinese dish?
Hot pot.

Where is your favourite place to go in Beijing?
A mountain resort called Shangguandi in Huairou District.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
Always push yourself when speaking with Chinese people, and ask them to correct you.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I play two musical instruments well, the flute and the ukulele.

What is your favorite place in China and why?
The Changbai Mountain Scenic Area has very beautiful nature. Hiking there makes me feel relaxed.

Sharon 顾宸

Chinese Language Teacher

Where are you from?
I come from a small village in Hubei province. The village is so small that you have probably never heard of it.

What are your teaching qualifications?
Bachelor degree in Teaching Chinese, of course combined with my working experience!

When did you start teaching Chinese?
I enjoy teaching so much that I’ve forgotten how long I’ve been teaching.

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
My camera, as I love taking pictures of everything and everyone.

Favourite Chinese dish?
There are too many to say, I haven’t yet had a dish I don’t like!

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Movie director and music composer Gao Xiaosong so we could escape from reality into his wonderfully creative mind.

Where is your favourite place to go in Beijing?
The forbidden city. It’s the most popular tourist destination in Beijing for a reason. It’s simply stunning.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
Speak as much as you can, and if you don’t know a word just substitute it with a word from a language you know. Try to also think in Chinese, having your inner voice in Chinese will help you a lot.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I sometimes pretend that I don’t know English, so foreigners will have to speak Chinese to me, haha!

What is your favorite place in China and why?
My home, even though it’s a small village I’m always filled with a sense of inner peace when I visit. I love my home.

Alwin 冯威翔

Chinese Language Teacher

Where are you from?
Henan province

What are your teaching qualifications?
I am certified to teach Mandarin by the State Language Affairs Commission.

When did you start teaching Chinese?
I have been teaching since about 2013.

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
My ancient Chinese fan, I love thinking about China’s long history.

Favourite Chinese dish?
Spicy fish soup, called 水煮鱼 Shuǐ zhǔ yú in Chinese.

Where is your favourite place to go in Beijing?
The former Royal hunting field in the southern Beijing suburbs. 南海子公园 – Nán hǎi zǐ gōngyuán

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
Sheep 羊 (Yáng) as it’s my zodiac.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
First of all be patient, also immerse yourself in Chinese culture as the culture and language are intertwined.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I love maps! Reading maps is exciting to me!

What is your favorite place in China and why?
Beijing, I’m used to weather, the noise, and fast pace. I would be bored anywhere else.

Gloria 郝继红

Director of Studies

Where are you from?
I’m from Harbin.

How long have you been working for LTL?
I started in April 2013.

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
My headphones, because I like to listen to music.

Favourite Chinese dish?
In Harbin we have a delicious sweet and sour pork dish called guobaorou (锅包肉).

Where is your favourite place to go in Shanghai?
Beihai park.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
The writer Lu Xun, he is my idol. He had a huge influence on modern literature in China and I really like his work. He was also a very charismatic person.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent effort, learning chinese is also same.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I went fishing when I was seven years old, and somehow managed to catch two fish on the same hook.

What is your favorite place in China and why?
My hometown, a small village near Harbin. When you are a child, the outside world is wonderful, but when you leave home to go to other places your hometown becomes a place you will miss forever.

Amy 刘瑞军

Finance

Where are you from?
Henan Province.

How long have you been working for LTL?
Since August 2016.

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
I collect dolls and mascots. This particular one was given to me by a near and dear friend.

Favourite Chinese dish?
Too many to list really, I like all of them.

Where is your favourite place to go in Beijing?
The Lama Temple.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would love to explore under the sea, as that is the last truly undiscovered place in the world.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
With my family, as true happiness to me comes from my family.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
Try to think in Chinese, not in your native language. Spend as much time with Chinese people as you can.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I love cooking, and I love eating what I cook.

What is your favorite place in China and why?
Tibet, as the story says, a trip there can cleanse your soul and your heart.

Angela 孙丽烨

Chinese Language Teacher

Where are you from?
A place called Handan in Hebei province. About five hours south of Beijing by car.

What are your teaching qualifications?
I have a certificate for teaching Chinese, a bachelor’s degree in Chinese language and literature and a master’s degree in Educational Management. On a personal level I used to publish an English blog, and wrote an essay about teaching Chinese.

When did you start teaching Chinese?
Since 2008. At LTL since early 2011.

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
I collect antiques, I brought an ancient copper coin and a model of a piece of classical furniture.

Favourite Chinese dish?
Kung Pao Chicken, or in Chinese: 宫保鸡丁- Gōng bǎo jī dīng

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Johnny Depp, so I could teach him Chinese.

Where is your favourite place to go in Beijing?
Gǔlóu 鼓楼, I love walking around and looking at the traditional Hutongs.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
It’s simple, you have be persistent. Learning takes time, but if you keep at it you will get there.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I love writing. I can write for 20 hours straight without taking any breaks.

What is your favorite place in China and why?
Beijing because it is both an ancient and a modern city. You can meet different people from all over the world and you can feel the different cultures. It’s an exciting mix.

Lucy 孙路星

Chinese Language Teacher

Where are you from?
I come from a town just outside Beijing in Hebei.

What are your teaching qualifications?
I am a trained and certified Chinese teacher.

When did you start teaching Chinese?
I’ve been teaching for a few years now. I started at LTL in 2017

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
A Chinese fan. It’s elegant and beautiful, but it is also useful when Beijing gets hot in the summer.

Favourite Chinese dish?
Chongqing style hotpot is so good!

Where is your favourite place to go in Beijing?
There is a swimming pool near where I live, I love to go swimming, it’s my greatest passion.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
Having an actual interest in learning Chinese is very important. If you have an interest in learning Chinese, the rest will follow.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I have never tasted alcohol.

What is your favorite place in China and why?
Chongqing, because my best friend lives there, and also because of the hotpot there.

Annie 吴伟

Human Resources

Where are you from?
I’m from a small town in Liaoning province.

How long have you been working for LTL?
Since 2013.

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
A picture of my absolute favorite singer. I love listening to her voice.

Favourite Chinese dish?
Anything with lots and lots of vegetables.

Where is your favourite place to go in Beijing?
The capital library in Beijing.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
Use Chinese in your daily life, speak a lot, listen a lot and you will improve faster.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I have been a vegetarian for a long time. It was very uncommon here in China when I started, and it’s still not very common.

What is your favorite place in China and why?
My home province of Liaoning. It’s not very famous but it is full of beautiful places.

Max 马克思

Marketing Manager

Where are you from?
A small, but famous town in England called Cheltenham.

How long have you been working for LTL?
Since 2017.

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
A Pack of Cards to celebrate my love for playing Poker.

Favourite Chinese dish?
Too many to mention but honourable shout outs to fried dumplings and Chinese BBQ.

Where is your favourite place to go in Beijing?
Any of the three football stadiums so I can get my live football fix.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
Don’t ever give up. There are tough times when it feels too overwhelming but some days it just clicks. Push yourself and never stop learning.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I actually lived in China in 2014 for a year teaching English and managed to travel to over 12 different cities in that time. An average of 1 per month!

What is your favorite place in China and why?
Zhangjiajie and Guilin. Both sublime parts of the world with breathtaking scenery. You’ll see what Guilin represents on the 20 Kuai note and Zhangjiajie is where the film Avatar was based.

Emma 陈金星

Chinese Language Teacher

Where are you from?
I come from the south of China, from Fujian province.

What are your teaching qualifications?
I have a bachelor degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, from the Communication University in Beijing.

When did you start teaching Chinese?
I graduated in 2012 and that is when I started teaching Chinese at LTL.

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
A small panda toy because it looks exactly like a toy I had when I was a little girl.

Favourite Chinese dish?
I like almost anything, as long as it’s not sweet.

Where is your favourite place to go in Beijing?
北海公园 – Běihǎi gōngyuán – Beihai Park, because it’s peaceful, and in the summer it’s full of my favorite colors, blue and green.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Wei Jie 卫玠 is a character from an ancient Chinese legend. He was a very handsome man. Wherever he went people would crowd around him wanting to take a look at this handsome man. In the end, the crowd got too large and he tried to run away, but while running he slipped and hit his head on a rock and died. I just want to find out how he was as a person.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
Love the language, and be willing to listen a lot, be willing to speak a lot and be willing to read a lot.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
In summer l always bring two umbrellas with me in my bag. One to keep me out of the rain, and one to keep me out of the sun.

What is your favorite place in China and why?
Wushan in Fuzhou. As it makes me feel close to nature.

Sofia 孙国平

Chinese Language Teacher

Where are you from?
I am from Yuncheng, Shanxi Province, an ancient city and one of the oldest in China.

What are your teaching qualifications?
I have a degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language.

When did you start teaching Chinese?
I started teaching in 2012 and that is also when I started at LTL.

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
I brought a Hello Kitty toy because she is really cute and I love it.

Favourite Chinese dish?
Hotpot, especially the one from Haidilao.

Where is your favourite place to go in Beijing?
My favourite place in Beijing is the river near my home. It’s beautiful.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Monkey King. Our family names are both Sun. Maybe we have some common ancestors?

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
If you want to speak good Chinese, you need first to be interested in China. Then you need to practise your Chinese everywhere and anywhere you can.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I bit my boyfriend’s arm once when I was asleep, I think it was because I was dreaming that I was eating something.

What is your favorite place in China and why?
Yunnan. It’s an amazing place. You will be suprised by the air, the sky, the rivers, the snow, the mountains and of course, the people there. A very good place for relaxing.