Our Team

Sunny is from Henan Province and has been teaching Chinese at CLI since 2010. She holds a BA in linguistics from CLI’s affiliate university, Guangxi Normal University.

Prior to her current role as Chinese teacher, Sunny served as Head of Teaching Staff at CLI from 2014 to 2020 and head teacher for CLI’s annual China Fieldwork Semester

学生在学中文的过程中，最应该记住的东西是什么？What do you think is the most important thing for a student to remember when studying Chinese?

语用和语境，因为学习语言最终的目的就是使用它。很多时侯学生知道了词的意思，却不知道在什么场合用，在什么样的情况下用，往往会用错，所以语用和语境是学习中文中最应该记住的东西。

Students must know when and how to use Chinese words and phrases, because the ultimate purpose of learning a language is to use it. Students often know the meaning of a word, but don’t know exactly how and when to use it, so they often use words incorrectly. Therefore I think context is the most important thing for students to remember when studying Chinese.

Avril is from Bobai, Guangxi and has been teaching Chinese since 2005. She holds a BA from Guilin Electronic Technology University.

如果你带学生去桂林的一家餐馆吃饭，你会选择哪一家？你会推荐哪个菜？If you could take a student out to any restaurant in Guilin, which one would it be and what would you recommend he or she eat?

我会选择CLI附近的“越来越福”，我推荐“博白空心菜”。因为那是我能在桂林吃到的最正宗最好吃的我的家乡菜。

I would recommend he or she eat at Yuelai Yuefu, and the best dish is 博白空心菜 (Bóbái kōngxīncài). This is the most authentic and delicious dish from my hometown that I can get in Guilin.

Dayong is from Harbin, Heilongjiang and has been teaching Chinese since 2009. He holds a BA from Guangxi Normal University.

CLI带给你最宝贵的是什么？What is the most valuable thing you have learned at CLI?

世界很大，每个人都可以做你的老师。

At CLI, I’ve learned that the world is a big place – and every single person in it can be your teacher in some way.

Leah is from Huarong, Hunan and graduated from Guilin University with a degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (TCSOL). During her university studies, she worked as a Chinese teacher at a primary school in Thailand for three months. After graduating in 2025, Leah joined the CLI team as a Chinese language instructor.

Nancy is from Yangshuo, Guangxi and has been teaching Chinese since 2010. She holds a BA in language from Guangxi Normal University.

学生在学中文的过程中，最应该记住的东西是什么？What do you think is the most important thing for a student to remember when studying Chinese?

要学以致用。

Students must take what have they learnt inside the classroom and practice it with Chinese speakers outside of class.

Katarina is from Guilin, Guangxi. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language from Guangxi University for Nationalities in 2014 and her Master's in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages from Guangxi Normal University.

In 2015 and 2017, she participated in the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (formerly "Hanban") program, serving as an international Chinese language volunteer in Indonesia and South Africa for one year each. In 2018, she worked as a state-sponsored Chinese teacher at the Confucius Institute at Portland State University in the U.S. for two years.

From 2022 to 2025, she taught at the Confucius Institute at the University of Vienna in Austria. She independently manages the public WeChat account "Miss Wednesday," which focuses on international Chinese language education, and has authored hundreds of teaching notes, conference summaries, and cross-cultural communication articles. Her research interests include international Chinese language education and cross-cultural communication.

Katarina has been a CLI teacher since 2016.

Echo is from Baoding, Hebei in northern China. She grew up in a typical Chinese village, and although her hometown is near Beijing, its traditional essence has been preserved.

Echo earned her BA and MA in Chinese Literature at Guangxi Normal University. She loves reading works of literature in both Chinese and English. Echo joined CLI in January 2010 and remains one of the longest-tenured members of the team.

Echo played a major role in developing educational programs as CLI’s Head of Teaching Staff. In 2014 she took on expanded responsibilities as CLI Director of Operations. In 2022, in order to focus on raising her family, Echo handed over the reins to Abby Huang and transitioned back to her foundational role as Chinese teacher.

CLI is Echo’s window to the outside world. She knows Chinese culture well and considers herself to be very traditional in nature. At the same time, she is constantly seeking to learn about the different cultures and ways of thinking that students from all over the world bring to CLI.

Jency is from Hanzhong, Shaanxi, and graduated from Guilin University with a degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (TCSOL). She joined the CLI team in September 2023.

Jency is a sincere, enthusiastic, and perceptive individual who loves to reflect deeply and embrace adventure and new experiences. She has a passion for literature, philosophy, history, and music, and she especially enjoys discovering and creating delicious food.

As a Chinese teacher, she takes joy in using diverse teaching methods to guide her students and leading them to appreciate the beauty of the Chinese language through varied content.

Lee is from Guilin, Guangxi and has been teaching Chinese since 2012. He holds a BA from Guangxi Normal University.

你最喜欢的中文电影是什么？What is your favorite Chinese movie?

我最喜欢的中文电影是《中国合伙人》。因为这是部励志电影，它讲述了三个怀有热情和梦想的年轻人在高等学府燕京大学的校园内相遇，从此展开了他们长达三十年的友谊和梦想征途。

My favorite Chinese movie is “American Dreams in China”. This is an inspirational film that tells the story of the dreams and passions of three young people in higher education who meet at Yanjing University in Beijing. The film traces their lives over the course of thirty years as their friendships and dreams unfold.

Hello everyone! My name is Jas, and I’m from Guilin, Guangxi.

I graduated from Southwest Minzu University in Chengdu with a bachelor’s degree in French and hold a Mandarin proficiency certificate. I joined the CLI teaching team in 2017, where my primary focus is teaching Chinese. I truly enjoy helping students improve their language skills and exchanging insights about hobbies and different cultures.

To deepen their understanding of Chinese culture, I also occasionally organize local cultural activities for them to experience firsthand.

My name is Vicky, and my Chinese name is Liao Zhiqing. I am from Guilin, Guangxi. I graduated from Lijiang College of Guangxi Normal University with a major in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages. During university, I performed very well and received the National Scholarship multiple times.

In terms of skills, I have obtained the Putonghua (Mandarin) Proficiency Test Certificate, Grade 2-A, the National Computer Rank Examination Level 1 Certificate, and I also passed the College English Test Band 4 (CET-4).

Regarding teaching experience, I have worked as a Chinese language teacher and homeroom teacher at Yongfu Experimental Middle School in Guilin and Lijiang Primary School in Guilin, gaining rich experience in classroom teaching and management.

In terms of personality, I am enthusiastic and easygoing, and I approach my work with seriousness, responsibility, and dedication. In addition, I am skilled in traditional Chinese tea art, paper cutting, and pen calligraphy, and I possess strong cross-cultural communication abilities.

Lisa is from Guilin and joined the CLI team in 2016, where she is responsible for teaching Chinese classes. She is passionate about language education and cross-cultural communication, believing that respect and active listening are the keys to opening the door to meaningful exchange.

As a teacher, she is very patient and focuses on developing students' practical language skills, tailoring personalized lesson plans to meet each student's needs. She also places great emphasis on creating a positive classroom atmosphere, sparking students' interest and enthusiasm for learning, and helping them master Chinese knowledge in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.

June is from Guilin, Guangxi, and holds a bachelor's degree from Dhurakij Pundit University in Thailand. During her time at university, she was actively involved in Chinese language education, and after graduation, she worked as a Chinese teacher at multiple schools in Thailand. With over a decade of teaching experience, she joined the CLI team in 2024.

Ruza is from Hezhou, Guangxi and has been teaching Chinese since 2010. She holds a BA in teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language from Guangxi Normal University.

CLI带给你最宝贵的是什么（比如知识、经验、或教育）？What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at CLI?

经验，CLI给了我很多可以了解不同国家的学生的机会，并在这些过程中不断的发现自己的问题，提升自己，提高自己的教学技能。

My experience at CLI has given me many opportunities to understand students from different countries. And these opportunities have allowed me to understand myself better and to make myself a better person and a better teacher.

Kolok is from Yulin, Guangxi and has been teaching Chinese since 2010. He holds a BA in Education from Guangxi Normal University.

你认为想掌握中文的学生为什么必来中国学习？Why do you think students come to China to learn Chinese?

学习一门外语更令人愉快的是学生有一些即时的满足感。学生可以在上完课的第二天去邮局邮寄信件到自己的家。实际上用一门外语完成任务要比在考试中得到高的分数更有成就感，这种即时性的满足感只有亲自在中国说中文才能感受的到。

Learning a foreign language is much more enjoyable for students when there is instant gratification. A student can use what they learned in a lesson about the post office to go and mail a letter home to their family that same day. Actually accomplishing a task in a foreign language can be much more rewarding than receiving a high grade on a test. This type of instant gratification can only be felt by speaking Chinese in China.

Langxi is a native of Guilin and holds a Bachelor's degree in Literature from Guangxi Normal University. Right after graduating, she joined the Chinese Language Program of Hanban (Confucius Institute Headquarters) and went to Thailand as a volunteer Chinese teacher.

In 2019, Langxi joined the CLI team as a Chinese instructor. She enjoys communicating with and getting to know her students, often engaging with them in class by incorporating cultural explanations and situational exercises.

She is dedicated to designing suitable teaching methods for each student.

Carmen is from Guilin, Guangxi, and joined the CLI team in 2018 as a Chinese language teacher for non-native speakers. With extensive teaching experience, she specializes in instructing learners of different nationalities, ages, and proficiency levels.

She excels at designing and delivering personalized lessons tailored to students' specific needs and learning styles. Carmen also possesses strong cross-cultural communication skills and a patient, detail-oriented teaching approach. She fosters a relaxed and encouraging learning environment, helping students overcome language barriers and build confidence in their studies.

Dedicated to sparking students' interest in Chinese language and culture, she takes pride in witnessing their progress in real-world communication.

Abby is from Nanning, Guangxi, and holds a Bachelors of Education degree from Guangxi Normal University.

In May 2006, she went to Thailand as a Chinese teacher on behalf of China’s Hanban organization. This experience ignited Abby's passion for educating international students in the Chinese language. In 2010, she joined Guangxi Normal University as a Chinese teacher for international students.

Abby joined CLI in the summer of 2015 and has held several roles in the organization. She currently serves as CLI's School Director, overseeing its daily operations. During her ten years at CLI, she has grown alongside the organization, witnessing its steady growth and international reputation. In her spare time, she enjoys playing badminton and swimming.

Anna is from Beihai, Guangxi, and graduated from Guilin University of Electronic Technology. She holds the International Chinese Language Teacher Certificate accredited by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (formerly Confucius Institute Headquarters).

Joining the CLI team in 2016, she now serves as the Academic Director, primarily responsible for:
- Coordinating and scheduling courses for IP program students, study tour groups, and local learners
- Organizing regular faculty meetings
- Overseeing teacher training and professional development

While managing academic operations, she remains actively involved in teaching, striving to bring Chinese culture to life in her classrooms.

Susan is originally from Yizhou, Guangxi, and she joined the CLI Team in spring 2014. Susan holds a BA in Business English from Guangxi Normal University.

In 2014, Susan joined the CLI team. She is the External Affairs Manager and is responsible for overseas study programs and China study tour group programs. From September 2016 to May 2017, Susan was based at the University of Mary Washington in the United States where she was a Visiting Language Instructor, before returning to CLI in the summer of 2017 as Study Abroad Manager.

Susan is an avid reader and an aspiring photographer and world traveler. She believes that “everyone is like a book with their own unique stories,” and getting to know people is the only way to truly know their story.

Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Anias was first introduced to Mandarin in high school when she began studying the language for fun.

After a summer abroad in the northern coastal city of Qingdao, Anias vowed to return to the Middle Kingdom in order to improve her language skills and deepen her understanding of contemporary Chinese society. She moved to Guilin with CLI’s Teach in China program in fall 2016 and joined the CLI team as a Program Manager in summer 2017.

Anias enjoys eating 麻辣烫 málàtàng, analyzing popular culture and biking through the Guilin countryside.

Claire is originally from Guilin, Guangxi, and joined the CLI team in 2025 as Marketing Manager. She first became part of the CLI community at the age of 13, when her family began hosting CLI students through the homestay program. In many ways, she grew up alongside CLI. Claire holds a bachelor’s degree from Kean University in New Jersey and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in educational technology at Columbia University in New York City.

Claire has a deep love for her hometown and is passionate about sharing the CLI experience with learners around the world and inspiring more students to discover life and language learning in Guilin.

In her free time, Claire enjoys yoga and rock climbing. As a Guilin local, she knows some great climbing spots around Yangshuo.

Lumi is from Guilin and holds a degree in Chinese Language and Literature from Nanning Normal University. She brings 20 years of experience across the service industry.

She began working as a tour guide in Henan Province in 2006 before returning to Guilin in 2008. Since then, she has held management roles at an international travel agency, a boutique guesthouse and tea shop, and JD Home Services, building extensive experience in hospitality and day-to-day operations.

Lumi joined CLI in 2026 as Logistics Supervisor, overseeing student accommodation and campus housekeeping. Warm, patient, and attentive to detail, she takes care to keep CLI’s campus comfortable, clean, and welcoming. In her free time, she enjoys reading and drinking tea.

Tristan is from Guilin, Guangxi, and holds a BA in English from the Guilin Institute of Tourism.

Tristan worked as a tour guide for four years before moving to the famous city of Hangzhou to work as a manager for an international hotel. He returned to his hometown four years later to continue working in the hotel industry as a general manager. Tristan became CLI’s Property Manager in 2012 and has been helping deliver high quality and comfortable study abroad experiences to students from all over the world.

Tristan is a true soccer fanatic and frequently organizes pick-up games on the weekends with CLI students and Chinese locals.

Tania graduated with a BA in Arabic and Chinese from the University of Leeds in 2016. She spent two years studying in Taiwan and Egypt as part of her undergraduate program.

She is very interested in Chinese traditional theater and studied an intensive course in Beijing Opera at the Shanghai Theatre Academy. She also obtained third prize in the 14th “Chinese Bridge” Language Proficiency competition in the UK in 2015.

Before joining the CLI team, Tania worked with international students in her role as a student ambassador and social assistant working for the University of Leeds. Tania believes that one of the best things about working at CLI is meeting people from all over the world and the opportunity to be immersed in Chinese language and culture.

Mira is originally from Western Massachusetts. She graduated with a B.A. from Middlebury College, and completed her M.A. in China Studies: Law and Society at Peking University in 2025.

In her free time, she enjoys hiking, dancing, and all kinds of handicrafts (especially fiber arts). She is also an avid world traveler.

Mira is a 2019 CLI alum. As Admissions Manager, she is excited to welcome more students into the CLI community. She serves as a support person throughout the entire experience: from initial questions and enrollment through departure from Guilin — she is here to help!

While studying Chinese at Tsinghua University in 2009, Robert recognized the growing need for an intensive Chinese language program that combines best practices from China and the West. He has since dedicated himself to helping develop the Chinese Language Institute into a global leader in Chinese language and cultural education.

Robert graduated summa cum laude from Virginia Tech with a BA in Political Science and Communication and holds an MBA/MA joint master’s degree from the Wharton School and Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania. Robert is fluent in Chinese.

As of this writing in 2026, CLI remains Robert’s full-time professional focus.

With over 12 years on the ground in China and 20 working in higher education, Bradford brings a depth of experience unique among Americans in China.

Bradford is the longest serving foreign professor at Guangxi Normal University, CLI’s university partner. In 2012, he was promoted to the university’s Director of International Staff, making him one of a select few American university administrators in China. Bradford holds a BA in Philosophy from Lewis and Clark College and an MA in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language on a fully funded fellowship from Hanban, the parent organization behind the Confucius Institute.

As of this writing in 2026, Bradford is nearing completion of a PhD in Education at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where his focus is on applied linguistics and cognitive science. Bradford is fluent in Mandarin.

Summer is from Guilin, Guangxi. She holds a BA in language and an MA in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language from Guangxi Normal University.

Summer started her career in education as a Chinese teacher with China’s prestigious Hanban organization. During this time, Summer taught at the Ministry of Education in Thailand and the C&C Language Center in the Philippines. In 2014, she joined the CLI team.

As Student Activities Manager, Summer is responsible for organizing the out-of-class component of CLI’s language learning system. She also continues to teach class and loves to talk to students, answer their questions, and help them experience the best of CLI, Guilin, and the Mandarin language.

Jin is a passionate cross-cultural Chinese language teacher.

After graduating from Guangxi Normal University with a degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, she first studied and interned in Thailand before spending two years teaching there through the Hanban (Confucius Institute Headquarters) program. This experience ignited her deep love for Chinese language education.

Joining the CLI team in 2018 as a Chinese instructor, Jin lives by the motto "The harder you work, the luckier you get." Not only does she enjoy continually challenging herself in teaching, but she also strives to make Chinese learning engaging and accessible for all.

Since 2020, Jin has expanded into online education and now primarily focuses on developing and coordinating CLI’s virtual Chinese language programs.

Esther is from Guilin, Guangxi, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Chinese Language and Literature from the Xingjian College of Science and Liberal Arts at Guangxi University. She joined the CLI team in October 2024.

Esther is an explorer of life—warm, humorous, and always eager to try new things. She loves traveling, calligraphy, and handicrafts. She is passionate about learning local customs and enjoys connecting with people from around the world.

As Student Affairs Manager, Esther is responsible for understanding students’ needs and helping them make the most of their study and life experience at CLI.

Amanda is from Jinchang, Gansu, and Graduated from Guilin University with a major in Chinese International Education. She joined the CLI team in September 2023.

Amanda brings warmth, humor, and a genuine sense of curiosity to CLI. She loves Hanfu and traditional Chinese culture, enjoys trying new things, and values the friendships she forms with students from around the world.

As Assistant Student Affairs Manager, Amanda co-leads orientations and helps with a wide range of day-to-day tasks related to student life, contributing to the welcoming and close-knit CLI community.

Zhōng Āyí is from Guilin, Guangxi, and has worked in the culinary industry for more than 30 years. She has experience as a chef in large canteens as well as in running her own restaurant.

She joined CLI in 2025 and is responsible for dining services, dedicated to ensuring that everyone enjoys delicious and safe meals while helping students better appreciate the charm of Chinese food culture.

Heney is from Nanning, Guangxi, and holds a BA in Chinese International Education from Guangxi Normal University.

She spent a year studying in Indonesia, where she also worked as a trainee Chinese teacher. That experience solidified her commitment to a career in Chinese language education, and in July 2026 she joined the CLI team as a Chinese teacher.

Heney now serves as CLI’s Program Manager. Six years as a class monitor gave her strong management and coordination skills and a deep sense of responsibility, which she brings to her work at CLI. Warm and outgoing, she loves making new friends.