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Manhattan Mandarin Austin

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What Our Students Say

High high recommend. If you want your kids to study Mandarin, Manhattan Mandarin is the place. MM has been conscientious, responsible, responsive, very individually focused on the Mandarin learning of each of my children. I receive confirmations before each session and a complete summary after. My children are engaged. MM makes sure that the fit is right for the needs of each of my kids, and each lesson is highly customized. It’s rare to find a teaching partner you can so readily trust to make sure your kids are not only learning but interested and wanting to perform at a higher level. Thank you, MM!

- Teru C

Chapin, Collegiate, Eaglebrook

Paul James Irizarry

Managing Director / Mandarin Tutor

Mandarin Chinese teacher and tutor in Austin, Texas for Mandarin Chinese classes, tutoring, and after school Mandarin Chinese programs for kids and adults

Paul is a Mandarin Chinese tutor based in Austin with over a decade of experience in education and Mandarin tutoring. He has enjoyed every second of his Mandarin learning journey, from coursework toward his degree in East Asian Studies at Middlebury College to living in Beijing for four years while working as an educational consultant supporting students and families from China applying to schools abroad. Paul has studied Mandarin extensively through the Middlebury Summer Intensive Language School and is also a proud alumnus of the CET Intensive Language Program in Beijing. Paul has also worked as a Mandarin language tutor with students in New York City, across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, and remotely for over seven years. With his passion for teaching fostered by his M.S. in Educational Studies at Johns Hopkins University, Paul strives to create impactful moments by sharing the joy of Mandarin learning with his students. 

 

Paul founded Manhattan Mandarin Austin in 2023 after five years of working closely with Manhattan Mandarin. With a mutual vision of providing authentic language and cultural experiences to learners of all ages and backgrounds, he is excited guide others along their Mandarin journeys.

Jamie Keyte

Founder and Mandarin Tutor

Mandarin Chinese teacher and tutor in Austin, Texas for Mandarin Chinese classes, tutoring, and after school Mandarin Chinese programs for kids and adults

Jamie Keyte is a Mandarin tutor based in New York City. Jamie founded Manhattan Mandarin in 2012. ​A native New Yorker, Jamie attended The St. Bernard’s and Trinity Schools. He graduated from Kenyon College with a BA in Internationals Studies. In 2008, Jamie studied abroad where he completed an intensive Mandarin language program at CET in Shanghai.​ Upon graduating, Jamie ran high school educational tours in both China and the United States. In 2010, Jamie decided to further enhance his Mandarin skills and completed a second intensive language program in Beijing. This led him to a job at Thomson Reuters, where he became the China Project Manager for a Thomson Reuters’ subsidiary. During this time, Jamie developed the concept for Manhattan Mandarin and co-founded IvyGate, a Beijing-based SAT tutoring and high school/college application company.​ In 2019, Jamie returned to Trinity to run the Mandarin 1 program. He continues to run Manhattan Mandarin at its new New York headquarters at 153 E 70th. He has taught 10,000+ hours of private Mandarin lessons. 

Margaret Wardrop

Business Development / Mandarin Tutor

Mandarin Chinese teacher and tutor in Austin, Texas for Mandarin Chinese classes, tutoring, and after school Mandarin Chinese programs for kids and adults

Margaret has been a student of Mandarin for over 15 years and is a proud alumna of the Middlebury C.V. Starr study abroad program (Hangzhou / 2010). Following college graduation, she moved to China to develop a career in the hospitality industry. Among the companies for which she has worked in China are Starwood, Marriott, and the National Basketball Association. Now based in Austin, Margaret's pastime is to spread the joy and opportunity in studying Chinese! One of the ways she does this is by connecting Manhattan Mandarin to schools, tutoring programs, corporations, and organizations throughout the Austin area. In addition to offering 1:1 tutoring services, Margaret is a great resource for exploring career paths and travel adventures in China.

Anqi La

Mandarin Tutor

Anqi is a CTCSOL certified Mandarin tutor who has been providing private Mandarin lessons in Austin, Texas and online for nearly 3 years. She is a native speaker with a BA in Media and Communication from University of Toronto. Her students range from 2 to 72 year olds, coming from various cultural and professional backgrounds. She enjoys cooking, traveling, yoga, swimming, tennis, art, philosophy, and watching F1. Whether you are a 3-year-old whose favourite song is “We Will Rock You”, or a 72-year-old who loves poetry from the Tang dynasty, be prepared to share your interests and experiences in life with her during lessons as well, because what else is language for? 

Mandarin Chinese teacher and tutor in Austin, Texas for Mandarin Chinese classes, tutoring, and after school Mandarin Chinese programs for kids and adults

Dr. Shuang Wu

Mandarin Tutor

With a doctorate in Asian Studies, Dr. Wu is an experienced teacher with a demonstrated history of working in teaching Chinese language, literature, and culture both in China and the United States. She is a native speaker of Mandarin Chinese and skilled in Chinese language teaching, educational technology, tutoring, and curriculum development. She came to the States in 2018 and successfully completed her teaching training program at Washington University in St. Louis.


After that, she joined East Stroudsburg University as a Chinese Instructor and responsible for the all levels Chinese language courses. She is an active member of ACTFL, CLTA. Her recent interest is in developing proficiency based on ACTFL standards, integrating technology, Chinese poetry and film in Chinese as a foreign language classroom. Her passion in these areas could inspire the students to explore the world and be curious to meet many people.

Mandarin Chinese teacher and tutor in Austin, Texas for Mandarin Chinese classes, tutoring, and after school Mandarin Chinese programs for kids and adults

Zhishang (Eve) Wang

Mandarin Tutor

Manhattan Mandarin Tutors Teachers Classes After School Austin

Zhishang (Eve) Wang is a Mongolian ethnic minority raised in Beijing, China. With her bilingual background, she is fluent in Mongolian and Mandarin. She is also sensitive to language nuances and developed a great interest in literature. ​Zhishang earned a BA degree in English and International Studies from China Foreign Affairs University. She spent her junior year at Barnard College, Columbia University studying Chinese and English comparative literature. After four years of hard work, she is fluent in English and has reached intermediate level French. Growing up in a multicultural community kindled her interest in language teaching and culture communicating. She also did a summer internship at Tangshan No. 46 Middle School during her senior year.​ After graduating from college, Zhishang pursued her MA degree in Comparative Literature at King's College London. In London, she started her Mandarin teaching as a private tutor. As a language learner, she can put herself into students' shoes. She believes everyone has a unique learning style, so she tailors sessions according to students' individual interests and needs. Language learning can't be separated from its culture. As a history lover and literature student, her classes are culturally rich. ​In her spare time, Zhishang loves traveling, reading, and boxing. She is also passionate about exploring different cultures. 

Linling Shen

Mandarin Tutor

Manhattan Mandarin Tutors Teachers Classes After School Austin

Linling was born and raised in Guangzhou, China. After receiving her bachelor's degree in psychology from Sun Yet-sen University in China, she moved to the UK to pursue a master's degree in Psychology and Education at the University of Cambridge. This summer, she will move to Austin to start her PhD study there. ​Linling is passionate about teaching Chinese language and culture. As a researcher in reading difficulties, she also has experience teaching children with dyslexia and comprehension deficits. She is patient and friendly. Believing that motivation is the best teacher, she always encourages students to express their thoughts and ideas freely. 

Yi Wei

Mandarin Tutor

Mandarin Chinese teacher and tutor in Austin, Texas for Mandarin Chinese classes, tutoring, and after school Mandarin Chinese programs for kids and adults

Yi is an experienced Mandarin Chinese tutor and teacher in an Austin local public school with a strong passion for making language learning engaging and meaningful. She holds a master's degree in TESOL and Foreign Language Education from New York University, completed in 2016. Yi moved to Austin with her family and taught Chinese in a private school. Since 2018, she has joined a public school district, focusing on teaching Mandarin Chinese to middle school and high school students. Over the past years, Yi has had the pleasure of seeing her students grow and develop their Mandarin language skills. She has also found great joy in leading Chinese New Year field trips and hosting cultural workshops to help her students cultivate their transcultural skills. Yi believes in the power of educational technology to enhance the learning experience. By incorporating innovative tools and authentic, up-to-date materials into their lessons, she strives to make learning Chinese both interesting and relevant for her students. Yi makes sure her classes are student-centered and the language is taught in a natural flow. Her ultimate goal is to help her students speak Chinese unconsciously!

Dr. Bo Liu

Mandarin Tutor

Mandarin Chinese teacher and tutor in Austin, Texas for Mandarin Chinese classes, tutoring, and after school Mandarin Chinese programs for kids and adults

Dr. Bo Liu, Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of Texas at Austin, specializes in teaching Chinese language and culture to diverse student groups. With a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, his expertise encompasses foreign language education, including motivation, teacher training, curriculum design, and teaching pedagogy. He has published in esteemed journals, such as Foreign Language Annual, CSL Journal, Chinese Literature Today, and Overview of Higher Education in the United States. In addition to his scholarly work, Dr. Liu actively contributes to the profession. He serves on the board of CLTA-TX and reviews conference proposals for ACTFL and research manuscripts for FLA and JNCOLCTL. He also leads the STARTALK Chinese program in Minnesota, promoting Chinese language education beyond academia.

 

With over five years of teaching experience in K-12 and college settings, Dr. Liu fosters a learner-centered approach in his classrooms. He prioritizes creating a supportive environment and utilizes multimedia resources and technology to enhance learning. Advocating for personalized learning content, he tailors instruction to meet individual student needs, making language learning enjoyable and engaging. Dr. Bo Liu is available for Mandarin Chinese tutoring in Austin Texas and online. 

Tianyun Shi

Mandarin Tutor

Manhattan Mandarin Tutors Teachers Classes After School Austin

Tianyun is a native Mandarin speaker born in China. She has extensive experience teaching mandarin to children and adults from schools, universities and society through the Confucius institute. In 2018, she received her qualified certificate as a mandarin teacher to speakers of other languages (CTCSOL). Targeted students in her classes can be given a variety of emphases. She encourages classroom interaction and enjoyment for children through games and competitions while business groups focus on communication skills. She frequently introduces Chinese history and culture in her classes to pique students’ interests. By learning Mandarin with her, you will make significant progress not only in language but also in terms of your capability for thought and scope of vision. Tianyun is available for both remote and in-person lessons in London. Her courses are designed for beginning, intermediate and advanced Chinese language students. She is also well-versed in HSK exam preparation.

Chris Li

Mandarin Tutor

Mandarin Chinese teacher and tutor in Austin, Texas for Mandarin Chinese classes, tutoring, and after school Mandarin Chinese programs for kids and adults

Chris is a highly experienced Mandarin tutor based in Austin, Texas, bringing over four years of expertise as a senior Mandarin instructor at CET Academic Programs in Beijing. As a Mandarin Chinese teacher in Austin, Chris has successfully supported over 100 students, ranging from beginners to advanced learners, through tailored instruction and immersive language experiences. His role at CET included overseeing and developing training for new Mandarin tutors, ensuring high-quality teaching standards. Additionally, his work as a residential advisor allowed him to mentor students in both academic and social settings, further enriching their language learning journey. Chris’s dedication to teaching makes him an exceptional choice for anyone seeking a skilled Mandarin tutor in Austin.

Mei Chun Cho

Mandarin Tutor

Manhattan Mandarin Tutors Teachers Classes After School Austin

Mei is a native speaker born and raised in Taiwan. She can teach in both traditional and simplified characters. She discovered her interest in Chinese from writing since she was still in school, which gave her chances to publish her own books. With her passion for Chinese, she started to teach Mandarin as a foreign language after graduation. She has been teaching in Taiwan and Hong Kong for the past 5+ years, and she has just recently moved to the UK. With over 5 years experience, she can teach Mandarin at all levels and always knows how to find the most suitable learning methods for students. Most important of all, her expertise is developing students' listening and speaking abilities. Under Mei's guidance, students will find having conversations with natives a goal they can achieve. She always teaches students with patience, and encourages them to develop their potential while she is learning with them.

Hoi Ting Tsang

Mandarin Tutor

Manhattan Mandarin Tutors Teachers Classes After School Austin

Hoi is a native speaker born and raised in Hong Kong. Her deep-rooted background in the arts is long-standing and is coupled with strong communication, research, analytical, leadership and teamwork skills. She studied at Central Saint Martins and Goldsmiths, University of London and has worked at institutions and galleries both in Hong Kong and London. She is patient and enjoys working with children across the age range. Previously, Hoi attended Epsom College and was awarded an Art Scholarship. She has first hand experience of going through the A-Level exams and passing for selective boarding schools. In addition, she also holds the Putonghua Proficiency Test (PSC) certificate and achieved Grade 3 Level A*.Hoi is available for both remote Mandarin lessons and in-person Mandarin classes in London.

Lei Zhang

Mandarin Tutor

Lei is an experienced Mandarin tutor who has been teaching Mandarin lessons in China, the UK, and online for almost 7 years, and has been an imperial teacher for Shell, Bosch and ITOCHU Japan. She is a native language teacher and holds a Master's degree in Education from the University of York. Her students range from 4 years old to 70 years old and come from a variety of cultural and professional backgrounds. She is very sporty and loves Muay Thai, which she has been studying for 3 years, as well as surfing and rugby. In her free time, Lei likes to make Mandarin vlogs. She has filmed and posted nearly 50 Chinese learning videos and has amassed a large following on her previous company Instagram. She also loves to organize various Chinese cultural events. Lei Zhang is available for remote and face-to-face Mandarin lessons in London. She is experienced in HSK, Business Chinese, AP and GCSE preparation. She is also available for daily Chinese learning courses.

Manhattan Mandarin Tutors Teachers Classes After School Austin

Zac Amundson

Mandarin Tutor

Mandarin Chinese teacher and tutor in Austin, Texas for Mandarin Chinese classes, tutoring, and after school Mandarin Chinese programs for kids and adults

Zac, a Texas native, and a proud graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, is a passionate Mandarin tutor in Austin, Texas. With a strong background in Mandarin studies, Zac is enthusiastic about sharing his language learning journey with students of all ages. As a Mandarin Chinese teacher in Austin, Zac goes beyond language instruction by incorporating cultural elements into his lessons, such as teaching how to play Mahjong and exploring the diverse world of Chinese tea. His deep appreciation for Chinese culture makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of both the language and traditions. Zac’s engaging and culturally rich approach to tutoring sets him apart as a top Chinese tutor in Austin.

Candice Leow

Mandarin Tutor

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Candice is a Mandarin tutor in Austin from Singapore with a bilingual upbringing in Mandarin and English. She holds a communications degree from the Nanyang Technological University, and was an exchange student and intern in China, immersed in the cultural capitals of Beijing and Chengdu. She has worked in editorial and marketing roles in Singapore, as well as the non-profit sector in Southeast Asia. While pursuing an anthropology masters at the National Dong Hwa University, she lived on the scenic East Coast of Taiwan for about two years. Being bilingual has enriched her life in so many ways, enabling her to take on Mandarin teaching and translation responsibilities. Based in Austin now, she is committed to helping students discover the beauty of Chinese language and culture. 

Natasha Skergen

Mandarin Tutor

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Natasha is a Mandarin tutor in Austin who graduated from The University of Texas at Austin. As a child, Natasha attended Chinese school on Sundays, where she learned traditional characters from Taiwanese instructors. During the summers of high school, she attended a Chinese camp where she immersed herself in Chinese culture for a week each time and loved it. These experiences led her to take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad in Taiwan with CET. at National Taiwan University. Natasha looks forward to getting to know you and helping you learn Mandarin.

Elizabeth Suh

Mandarin Tutor

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Elizabeth is a Mandarin tutor in Austin with a minor in Chinese language at the University of Texas at Austin. She has been studying Mandarin from a young age in order to better communicate with her Taiwanese grandparents and relatives, and she is extremely passionate about continuing to learn more about Taiwanese and Chinese culture. Elizabeth loves sharing her love of language and culture learning with students. Elizabeth is also a CET Taiwan alumna, where she studied Mandarin Chinese and completed an internship at an environmental nonprofit, named the Homemakers United Foundation. In addition to learning Mandarin, Elizabeth loves to play piano and oboe and is learning how to play the guqin, a traditional Chinese musical instrument.

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