Our people

Wei Ming’s love for travel has taken her around the world; after studying in the UK, she returned to China to work for Ernst & Young before co-founding Hutong School. Today, she’s based in New York where she continues her hard work for Hutong School and seeks opportunities for development – perhaps you’ll see us state side someday soon!

It was Rob’s passion for Chinese language and culture that inspired him to move to Beijing, where he soon realised there’s no better way to learn the language. Though he’s called China home for several years, he’s always discovering new things about the city. When he’s not ensuring the smooth running of our Beijing office, he’s sure to be exploring the city and enjoying its vibrant music scene!

A 3-week university study program in Shandong gave Lauren the China bug and begin making plans to return. Eager to learn Chinese and understand China’s fascinating culture, she ventured to Jinan where she lived for a year before settling in Shanghai. Today, she puts the country’s incredible appeal into words, encouraging others to start a China adventure of their own.

Born in China’s northernmost province, Heilongjiang, Li Na majored in teaching Chinese as a second language. Since graduating, she’s gained over 10 years’ experience and an extensive knowledge of the Chinese language. Using various teaching methods to suit the different needs of her learners, Li Na makes the challenge of learning Mandarin much less daunting!

A stroll through Chinatown was what sparked Judith’s interest in China and inspired her to start learning the meaning of the intriguing characters she saw. A few years and a Chinese language major later, she understands a few thousand and now helps others get to China, settle in and discover for themselves why she can’t live without stinky tofu, dockless bikes and WeChat!

In hope of broadening her mind and stomach, Kelly traded Chicago for China in 2008. After living in Yunnan and Xinjiang, she settled in Beijing where she helps hungry students use their language skills to discover the best of Chinese cuisine. As Kelly says; there’s no better way to improve your Mandarin than over a cold beer and donkey burgers with a local!

True Beijinger Sarah isn’t shy of telling people how she feels about her home city; very positively. She loves the contrast of the city’s ancient buildings and modern skyscrapers, and she never ceases to be amazed by how many foreigners can speak fluent Chinese. Sarah dreams of helping more and more people learn her language – join us in Beijing and help her realise her dream! 

Bubbly ex-professional English interpreter Nicole completed an internship in New York before joining the Hutong School family in Shanghai. She enjoys working in a multi-cultural environment and loves using her own experience of interning abroad to help our students settle in. Her friendly face is one of the first you’ll see when you enter our school and one you certainly won’t forget!

Since joining Hutong School, Karen has been working tirelessly to make sure our students have the best experience possible. Her top-notch organisational skills and passion for helping people settle in are two of the main things that make our events a success. Between planning activities and excursions, she spreads her love for Chinese culture through teaching – a true all-rounder!

The glue that binds our Shanghai school together, our office angel Chenjie ensures the smooth running of everything from finance to maintenance. When she’s not hidden behind stacks of paper, she’s sure to be running errands around the city. So, though you may not get to meet her, you can rest assured she’s playing a vital role in making your Hutong School experience a success.

As a member of our logistics team, Shanghai local and football fanatic Philip works hard to ensure our students have a safe and comfortable stay in his city. One of the first people you'll meet when you arrive, he's responsible for meeting and greeting our students at the airport, and he's always on hand to help solve any problems that arise. 

Bishuai’s passion for sharing his culture and language with curious foreigners led him to pursue a career in teaching. After completing his studies, he left his hometown in Henan for Cambodia, where he spent a year teaching Chinese before heading to Shanghai. He’s been a key member of our team ever since, putting his all into making his classes enjoyable.

An expert on Chinese character etymology, Emily has over 8 years’ experience teaching students from around the world. Since graduating, she has lived and worked in the Philippines, Singapore, Germany and Austria, helping to promote her native language and culture around the world. Today, you’ll find her in Shanghai using fun methods to help our students master the language and adapt to life in China.

Born in Wenzhou, raised in Shanghai, Chen Nanyi achieved a master’s degree in teaching Chinese as a second language before starting her full-time teaching career. She enjoys learning about her students’ cultures and challenging herself to pick up a few basic phrases in their languages - she's tried her hand at Arabic and French... will your language be next?

Born in Beijing, Mei Han graduated from Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology before deciding to become a Chinese teacher. She’s taught Chinese as a foreign language for over 12 years now, adopting various techniques to suit the different needs of her students. Mei Han’s open-minded and easy-going personality makes her a pleasure to learn from and is one reason why students love her classes!

Heilongjiang native Guo Li has called Beijing home since 2002. She’s grown to love what she calls the nation’s “thrilling and challenging” capital, where she enjoys teaching Chinese to foreign students from around the world. She believes that working closely with people from different backgrounds helps enrich her personality, and that though it might not be the easiest language to learn, it’s certainly rewarding!