What inspired you to work for Omeida Chinese Academy?
I wanted to find a marketing job related to one of my interests, and learning Chinese is one of my biggest interests. Omeida has an incredible international community that makes language exchange natural. Yangshuo has a wonderful outdoor environment with years of opportunity for exploration and adventure. It's been my favorite place I've ever lived and worked.
Lance on mountaintop nearby school
Describe a typical day at work.
I optimize our website and online platforms to get the word out around the world regarding Omeida's programs. I make sure a potential student has the best possible online experience in finding our programs, inquiring, and enrolling.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
My 7-8 years of Chinese learning experience have contributed greatly to my daily tasks at Omeida. It's contributed mostly to writing attractive blogs regarding Chinese learning tips and advice for learning Chinese in China.
What are some current projects you are working on?
We are currently working to translate all of our website content in popular world languages and make it more discoverable by our audience in many different countries.
Omeida students in student lounge
What makes your organization special?
Our English school and our Chinese Academy are side-by-side. This creates a wonderful language environment through interaction while eating, studying, living in the dorms, and even during designated language partner exchange.
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
The environment is what sets us apart from all other language schools. We aren't aware of any language school in China that has surroundings as incredible as the scenery surrounding us. Other things that set us apart include our language exchange program, volunteer program, and lower prices.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope participants come away with a greater passion for learning Chinese and understanding Chinese. Our language partner program is a great opportunity to build mutual, international understanding. I also hope participants leave with a greater passion for exploring and enjoying the outdoors.
Rock climbing activity for students
If you could participate on one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
I would enroll in our HSK course. Having one-on-one training to prepare for the HSK level 6 would be an invaluable experience and immensely helpful in reaching my goals.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language opens up a country to you. Whereas previously I could only have conversations with Chinese people who spoke good English, now I can have conversations with almost any Chinese person of any background, vocation, age, etc. Meeting all different kinds of Chinese people has helped me have a more well-rounded understanding of the culture and people.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means meeting the local people and trying things you haven't tried before. Ideally, travel will give you an experience that wouldn't be possible in your home country and will change you in a permanent way that remains even when you return home. In my opinion, the best thing travel can do is create better mutual understanding between all nations and work toward world peace and cooperation.
