Nuala

I am a native english speaker with a high level of fluency in written and spoken Mandarin. I have an invaluable understanding of the learning process for native english speakers tackling this challenging language.

I have a first class bachelors degree in Chinese and History from The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. I also hold a masters degree with distinction in Media, Communication and Development from The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

Since gaining my bachelors degree I`ve spent extended periods living in Beijing and Shanghai. During this time I managed a series of bilingual cultural exchange events for a Beijing based charity and wrote for the China-focussed publications Sixth Tone, China File and Made in China journal. I have also worked as a personal assistant and interpreter for a high-net-worth Chinese family in London.

I currently work in public relations for environmental campaigns and supplement my income by teaching Mandarin.

Availability: I am available Wednesday to Sunday daytimes and evenings.

Willing to travel: 10 miles

Experience: In my role as a personal assistant and interpreter for a high-net-worth Chinese family I was responsible for assisting the family`s four children (ages 3, 6, 12 and 15 at the time) with homework and school entrance exams. This involved helping the children to manage their time effectively, as well as assisting them with individual tasks and identifying areas where they needed additional support.

I spent several years learning Mandarin in China and the UK. I`ve experienced a variety of teaching styles and honed my own approach to tackling the language.

My experience learning Mandarin from beginner level to fluency as a native english speaker gives me an invaluable understanding of the learning process. I hold the highest level Chinese language proficiency qualification (HSK 6) and a certificate in Advanced Business Chinese.

The basis of my approach is tailoring lessons specifically to the learning style and goals of the student.

Before taking on a new student we discuss the learning approach that works best for them. We decide together what forms of homework and practise between sessions will work best and I familiarise myself with any textbooks or curriculum they are working to. I can also help selecting textbooks if needed.

The content of the sessions very much depends on the student`s own goals - for instance, if the ultimate goal is to reach full literacy in Mandarin it will make sense for you to familiarise yourself with the full set of 214 radicals which make up the full range of Chinese characters. However, if you`re primarily aiming to be comfortable in spoken Mandarin, listening comprehension exercises, drilling your tones and finding a Chinese TV series to get stuck into are going to be much more important!

Over the last ten years I`ve done more Chinese language exams than I can count so I`m well equipped to help students prepare effectively for tests! I`m also very happy to guide and provide structure for independent learning.

I love Chinese literature and film so I`m happy to teach through reading and reviewing books/films if that is of interest. I`m also a big fan of Chinese cookery if you have a particular interest in culinary vocabulary or just want some recipe recommendations!

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