Introduction

Language learners often search for the “right” path. But sometimes, what truly works is stepping off it entirely.

As a corporate to Chinese teacher, Yuki, who now works at Shanghai International Studies University, spent over twenty years in the fast-moving consumer goods industry. From CEO assistant to deputy director of e-commerce operations, her résumé was filled with stability and prestige.

However, at forty, she did something unexpected: she earned her international Chinese teaching certificate and stepped into the classroom as a Chinese teacher.

She says it wasn’t a career change. It was a return to something she genuinely wanted to do.

Self Introduction

As a corporate to Chinese teacher, my path here wasn’t a straight line. I’m Ji Yao, but you can call me Yuki. I graduated from Shanghai Normal University with a degree in English.

After that, I started as a CEO assistant at a foreign company. Then I spent over twenty years in the FMCG industry—from Sephora to Coca-Cola to OATLY, the leading Swedish plant-based milk brand. I transitioned from CEO assistant to deputy director of e-commerce operations. In short, I spent my whole career navigating the corporate world.

In 2024, through Mandarin Inn, I got to know the field of international Chinese teaching. I studied at Mandarin Inn and earned my international Chinese teacher certification.

That opportunity led me, after twenty years in corporate, to transition at forty into Shanghai International Studies University. There, I now work on managing international Chinese volunteers and teacher assignments for the university’s Confucius Institute.

And outside of work, I began my journey teaching Chinese.

First Teaching Experience

As a corporate to Chinese teacher, my first student was a Korean professional working at a foreign company in Shanghai. He had lived in Hong Kong for a year or two before, so he had some exposure to Chinese.

However, His main goal was to live and work in Shanghai more comfortably with his wife. He had no plans to take the HSK in the short term.

Learning Chinese Effectively

There are no shortcuts in language learning. You just have to listen more, speak more, read more, and write more.

For my Korean student, I’ve set up a weekly schedule. Specifically, one HSK class on weekends covering grammar and vocabulary, and during the week, a 1.5-hour mini dialogue session. The topics cover daily life in Shanghai and work situations—targeted training that meets his real needs.

As a result, my student is now very willing to speak. Moreover, through conversation, we gradually correct pronunciation and incorporate native-sounding tones and grammar, helping him adapt to the “Shanghai rhythm” more quickly.

Life Beyond Teaching

My biggest interests are travel and sports.

Because of my current job, I lead overseas Confucius Institute education delegations to visit Chinese cities during winter and summer breaks. So my personal travel has shifted toward cultural exploration.

When I was in corporate, travel was more about checking off destinations and taking vacations. But after joining the Confucius Institute at SISU, my travels over the past two years have focused more on the history, culture, and human context behind the places I visit—exploring cultural symbols more deeply.

Teaching at Mandarin Inn

As a teacher at Mandarin Inn, what strikes me most is the space the school gives us. It’s not rigid or formulaic. Instead, it’s student-centered, and you’re free to play to your strengths.

Of course, the teaching location in the city center is also great motivation for heading out to class on weekends.

The Future of Chinese Education

I currently work as an administrative teacher at the Confucius Institute office. I interact most with foreigners learning Chinese at overseas Confucius Institutes. And you can see this community growing steadily. According to the demand figures from the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, the need for international Chinese teachers is increasing year by year.

Therefore, I believe the field of international Chinese education has broad prospects.

As trade and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world grow closer, the practical value of Chinese continues to rise. Moreover, learners are becoming more diverse. Beyond international students, professionals like my student—foreign businesspeople working in China—have a steadily growing demand for practical Chinese.

In the future, teaching will focus more on personalization and real-world scenarios. The demands on teachers will be higher. We need not only to master Chinese knowledge but also to have cross-cultural communication skills, and to customize courses for learners of different nationalities and professions.

For me, my greatest reward is being able to start what I truly wanted to do—and to have the chance to “use what I’ve learned.”

Teaching Philosophy

Every student is different. Learning should be put to use.

Teaching must be tailored to each student’s goals and needs. What they learn must become a tool for daily life and work—not rigid, lifeless material.

Above all, respect each student’s pace. Keep learning from teaching. Continuously refine the classroom.

Words for Future Teachers

So, to those preparing for the exam: Let go of the nerves. Stay positive. Just prepare seriously.

And as a future international Chinese teacher, keeping a passionate heart for teaching matters more than anything else.

Closing

Language learning is perhaps not just about mastering a skill, but about a new way to understand the world and connect with others. We’re here, waiting for you to speak.

If you, too –

• are passionate about language and culture,
• want to become an international Chinese teacher,
• or are preparing for the Certificate for Teachers of Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (CTCSOL)

we warmly invite you to join us at Mandarin Inn and begin your own journey in Chinese education. (End)

Want to become an international Chinese teacher?

If so, join Mandarin Inn’s CTCSOL Certificate Training Course.

From teaching methodology to cross-cultural communication, we’ll guide you step by step toward becoming a professional Chinese teacher.

In the meantime, for more details, please click the link below or dial +86 21 54038115 to book or inquire about a free trial session.

Together, let’s connect the world through language.

Mandarin Inn, More Than Just a Language School

Located in the scenic heart of Shanghai’s former French Concession, Mandarin Inn is housed in a historic villa, offering not only an ideal place for studying Mandarin but also a chance to experience Shanghai’s rich history and culture. As the home of the APM Public Library and recognized by Ecovadis for corporate social responsibility, Mandarin Inn carries a dual mission of education and cultural heritage.