Meet the LTL Team

Johan Brandal 约翰

Director of Shanghai

Favourite Chinese dish?
My favourite Chinese dish is 炒面 fried noodles!

Where is your favourite place to go to in Shanghai?
Nanjing Road, I love the lively atmosphere there.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I recently have become very interested in France and French culture, so I would very much like to go to Paris.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

My favourite Norwegian comedian, Atle Antonsen. It would be hilarious.
What is your top tip for people learning Chinese? I have met people who have learnt Chinese in many different ways, and the only thing they all had in common is that it took perseverance.

What is your favourite place in China and why?
The bench outside of the Guanghua building in Fudan University, I loved to sit on that bench and watch people walk by and ponder my existence.

Dannie 黄琴

Chinese Language Teacher

Where are you from?
Wuhan, Hubei

What are your teaching qualifications?
B.A. in Teaching Chinese

When did you start teaching Chinese?
2015

We asked everyone to bring their favourite item, what item did you bring and why?
I brought my guitar, because aside from work, this is my main hobby.

Favourite Chinese dish?
Hotpot

Where is your favourite place to go in Shanghai?
Nanjing Road

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I want to go to the UK, because I really like Harry Potter and Sherlock Holmes.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
You have to speak as often as possible, even if it means making mistakes at first.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
When I was in university I took part in a singing contest; I was in the Top-10 out of 700 participants.

What is your favourite place in China and why?
Beijing, because I like the cultural atmosphere of the city, the history and architecture.

Alex 汪张阳

Chinese Language Teacher

Where are you from?
I’m from Shanghai.

What are your teaching qualifications?
Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language degree from Shanghai Normal University

When did you start teaching Chinese?
2014

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
A book and a camera. I like reading, photography and traveling.

Favourite Chinese dish?
The omelettes my father makes.

Where is your favourite place to go in Shanghai?
My house!

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Mars. That way I will be the first human being to go on Mars.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
My future wife, so that I don’t need to continue searching for her.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
Speak more with Chinese people.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I’m the only person in the world with my type of DNA.

What is your favourite place in China and why?
Tibet, this is the most beautiful place in my opinion.

Caroline 冯新娇

Chinese Language Teacher

Where are you from?
Hefei, Anhui province

What are your teaching qualifications?
B.A. in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language from North China Institute of Science and Technology.

When did you start teaching Chinese?
2015

We asked everyone to bring their favourite item, what item did you bring and why?
I brought a calligraphy kit (brush, ink, paper and inkplate). Those are the four treasures of Chinese literature, and Chinese calligraphy has been popular in the world for many thousands of years, I also really like calligraphy.

Favourite Chinese dish?
Chestnut Chicken, Red Braised Pork, Stir-fried Tomato and Scrambled Eggs.

Where is your favourite place to go in Shanghai?
The LTL School!

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
The Sahara Desert. Because as a child I really liked the author San Mao, she lived for numerous years in the Sahara Desert, and her lifestyle had a big influence over me.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
If I could turn back time, I would love to have dinner with Cao Xueqin, the author of the Chinese classic Dream of the Red Chambers.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
Language is a tool of communication. Only if it is applied, can you improve your reading, writing, speaking and listening, and thus having a better grasp of Chinese.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I went to a bar for the first time when I was 24 years old.

What is your favourite place in China and why?
The Great Wall of China. Because I’ve seen the most beautiful starline there. The combination of the long wall and the star-filled sky creates the most impressive natural scenery.

Yiyi 杨蕊菡

Chinese Language Teacher

Where are you from?
Chengdu, Sichuan province

What are your teaching qualifications?
B.A. in Teaching Chinese, and M.A. in Ancient Chinese Literature

When did you start teaching Chinese?
2016

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
I brought a doll, because this is a birthday gift my best friend gave me.

Favourite Chinese dish?
Maocai Hotpot

Where is your favourite place to go in Shanghai?
The Bund

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
I don’t typically eat dinner. If I do, it will definitely be with an important person!

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
Panda, because it’s a national treasure.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
Speak as much as possible. Also, have me be your Chinese teacher!

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
For many years now, I’ve been waking up every day at 6 AM.

What is your favourite place in China and why?
Lijiang in Yunnan, that’s my hometown.

Kristen 蒋晓露

Chinese Language Teacher

Where are you from?
Shanghai

What are your teaching qualifications?
I’m a returnee, I studied in Sweden.

When did you start teaching Chinese?
2011

We asked everyone to bring their favourite item, what item did you bring and why?
I brought my Beats headphones. Because I love music.

Favourite Chinese dish?
No favourite. As long as it is tasty, I like it.

Where is your favourite place to go in Shanghai?
Being a Shanghainese person, it’s hard for me to answer.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
One place is not enough, I want to travel the world!

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Eddie Peng, Hu Ge, Song Joong-ki… there are too many handsome guys! You should change the question to “If there was one guy everyday who would take you out for dinner, who would it be?”

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
One, open your mouth and speak, do not be afraid of making mistakes. Two, Find a Chinese boyfriend/girlfriend. Three, Listen to your teacher’s advice, you have to take initiative in studying and have a good study schedule. Four, Try to understand Chinese culture, throw away any prejudices and stereotypes.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I cannot ride a bicycle.

What is your favourite place in China and why?
Shanghai, because Shanghai is the place where I was born and where I grew up.

Zoe 黄凤霞

Chinese Language Teacher

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
A Chinese knot, it represents China’s traditional culture. Some of them are simple and easy to learn and can help students know more about Chinese culture

Favourite Chinese dish?
Fish flavoured shredded pork

Where is your favourite place to go in Shanghai?
Qibao old street

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Japan, Japanese culture is both similar and different from Chinese at the same time and shares much of the same roots. If I have the opportunity I would like to have a closer look.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Mom and dad. I work very far from home, and through the year I only have the possibility to have a few dinners with them. If I could, I would stay a few more days and listen to their squabbling

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
You have to persevere, study a little bit every day. Even if you only study one word a day, you have to continue.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I am already married, and have children, does that count？

What is your favourite place in China and why?
Xi‘an. Because they have so many different types of snacks. So many!

Ariel 柴婉歆

Chinese Language Teacher

We asked everyone to bring their favourite item, what item did you bring and why? 带巧Chocolate Because chocolate will make you happy every day.

Favourite Chinese dish?

中国有句古话，叫民以食为天，所以中国美食文化博大精深！粉蒸肉，皮蛋豆腐，黄豆焖猪蹄，东坡肉，土豆烧肉，太多了，只要是中国菜我都喜欢

Where is your favourite place to go in Shanghai?
The Place I like the best is the Bund

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would Like to go to Scandinavia, I would love to lie on the ground and count the stars and watch the northern lights

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
The flash! Then I could become his friend and we could go travelling together

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
Talk more, and try to copy how Chinese people speak. Watch a lot of Chinese cartoons and listen to Chinese music!

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!

Really, I am a very introverted person

What is your favourite place in China and why?
Xi’an, Xi’an is China’s first capital. There are many ancient buildings, and the famous terracotta warriors and the tomb of the first emperor of China. If you are interested in Chinese history you have to go!

Jason 汪俊鑫

Chinese Language Teacher

We asked everyone to bring their favourite item, what item did you bring and why?
My nunchucks, because the first traditional Chinese weapon foreigner will encounter is Bruce Lee’s nunchucks.

Favourite Chinese dish?
Crab tofu.

Where is your favourite place to go in Shanghai?
I would recommend Guangfu Park, this is the origin of Shanghai.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would love to go to Florence because it is where the renaissance started.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
I would rather eat on my own.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I like all kinds of small animals.

What is your favourite place in China and why?
I want to go to Hong Kong, because when I was young I used to love Hong Kong action movies, not to mention they have a lot of great food.

Evelyn 张卉

Chinese Language Teacher

We asked everyone to bring their favourite item, what item did you bring and why?
I’m bringing a book, the book is named “the book of Answers”. Why I think it’s interesting is because when you feel confused about life you can find the answer in this book?

Where is your favourite place to go to in Shanghai?
I just arrived to Shanghai, so I haven’t been that many places, right now what I like the most is the Xingguang Art museum on the Bund.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Where I would like to go the most is Provance, because you can see Lavander there.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
With my parents, because spending time with them is very important.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
Work hard! It will pay off in the end.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
You tell me something surprising first! Then I will tell you.

Jasmine 董琴

Chinese Language Teacher

Favourite Chinese dish?
My Favorite dish is soy braised fish

Where is your favourite place to go in Shanghai?
What I would recommend is Gannan.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Where I would like to go the most is Northern Europe, I want to see the Northern Lights!

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
I would like to eat dinner with my future self. I want to see how I turn out.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
There are not short cuts, you have to study hard!

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
When I can’t sleep or walk slowly I will become angry with myself.

FU LALA 付拉拉

Teaching Director

Where are you from?
Zunyi, Guizhou

What are your teaching qualifications?
Master Degree of Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages from Shanghai International Studies University

When did you start teaching Chinese?
2013

We asked everyone to bring their favorite item, what item did you bring and why?
Books, I am trying to know more about both Chinese and foreign literature and culture.

Favorite Chinese dish?
All kinds of food with potatoes.

Where is your favorite place to go in Shanghai?
In Shanghai, I like the Luxun Park most, I can find peace even there are hundreds of people around.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
First of all, I want to go home since I haven’t seen my grandparents for a while. Then, I want to go to the Sahara, seeing the desert and enjoying a space of no one around, because where I live now is full of houses, pretty crowded.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
Cats, they are so cool, they will come to you whenever they want, and will be stay away from human if they want to be alone.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
To embrace the culture, try to put yourself in our shoes, then you will understand why Chinese people act in that way.

This is also related to our language, the Chinese language is a reflection of our history, literature and philosophy.

From my own experience, if you are interested in a culture, you will get more motivated in its language.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
For a long time, my favorite sport was climbing trees!

What is your favorite place in China and why?
Guizhou, which is my hometown, has a reputation for its various landscape and astonishing scenery.

Amanda 李钟霞

Chinese Language Teacher

What are your teaching qualifications?
Degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language from East China Normal University

When did you start teaching Chinese?
2012

We asked everyone to bring their favourite item, what item did you bring and why?
A calligraphy brush, because I love writing Chinese calligraphy.

Favourite Chinese dish?
Too many, I really like eating!

Where is your favourite place to go in Shanghai?
There’s no one special place. I like what the roads of Shanghai look like early in the morning, when there are no people around.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I like travelling, and would like to see a lot of places. If in China, I would like to go to Nyinchi in Tibet, because the Nyang River is really beautiful. If abroad, I would like to go to Spain, because I like drinking Sangria!

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Jack Ma (the founder of Alibaba Group), so that I can learn from his insights.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
Listen a lot, speak a lot, imitate a lot. Chinese is not really hard, as long as you are willing to put the effort and follow your teacher.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I travelled alone for two months. Believe me, in China, a 25 year old girl traveling alone is a very surprising thing to people, even if I don’t think so personally.

What is your favourite place in China and why?
Nyinchi in Tibet, such amazing beauty and serenity.

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Tony 张小龙

Chinese Language Teacher

Where are you from?
Xi’an, Shanxi

What are your teaching qualifications?
A teaching Chinese B.A.

When did you start teaching Chinese?
2015

We asked everyone to bring their favourite item, what item did you bring and why?
A comic book and my headphones. Because there’s nothing better than a good story and good music.

Favourite Chinese dish?
Fried Rice

Where is your favourite place to go in Shanghai?
My home in Shanghai.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
A lonely island somewhere. Because I can completely be myself there.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
With myself, because I have no idea what it is like for someone to have dinner with me. I think it would be interesting.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
A panda. I wouldn’t need to do anything, and people would still consider me a national treasure.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
First, form it into a personal interest. Second, develop it into a habit.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I once took a 40 day bicycle ride to Tibet

What is your favourite place in China and why?
Tibet, because there are few people and the landscape is amazing!

Qinqui 陈琴

Chinese Language Teacher

Favourite Chinese dish?
My favorite food is my mother’s home cooking

Where is your favourite place to go in Shanghai?
Shanghai’s Bund – That is where Western Culture opened the door to ancient Chinese culture, and you have a beautiful combination of both cultures there.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Tibet is heaven on earth, you can find the strength of faith, goodness and purity there, purify your thoughts. I would like to visit every corner of Europe, experience the old romantic, renaissance cities.

What is your top tip for people learning Chinese?
When you study a language you also study a culture, so you can’t just study Chinese in the classroom, you also need to get Chinee friends, travel and experience China. When you understand the culture and the customs it will give you a sense for the language which will help you a lot.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I don’t have any sense of direction. I have been in Shanghai many years, but I will still often get lost. Is that surprising?

What is your favourite place in China and why?
In China, what I like the most is the watertowns in the south of China, and to spend a whole day just relaxing in the cafes and bars.

Ray 任申轩

Chinese Language Teacher

Favourite Chinese dish?
Hot Pot.

Where is your favourite place to go to in Shanghai?
Temple of the City God.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
To the North Pole to so the northern lights.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Stan Lee.

Tell me something about you that would surprise me!
I had never been to a bar before 2018.

What is your favourite place in China and why?
Ningxia, nothing is like home.