Staff Interview with Parry Lin

What inspired you to work for Edu-Pal China?

I would say it's my love and enthusiasm for Chinese culture and world exploring. EPC offers me a great opportunity to communicate with people from other cultures while introducing Chinese culture to them. I don't completely understand and know all of the Chinese culture. This program allows me to share what I've learned from Chinese culture in a deeper and different perspective. 

Describe a typical day at work.

I work in the marketing department. Most of the time I would be communicating with future Edu-Pals (students), to introduce more of the program details and help them schedule a video interview with us. I am also the social media manager. So I keep our followers updated about the program activities, family life, and up -coming campaigns. I Also post some things about Chinese culture/buzzwords/idioms for Chinese learners.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I get to know more of the foreign cultures and understand more about Chinese culture. This job is the perfect combination between what I've learned in university and what my love for learning different cultures.

What challenges do you often face at Edu-Pal China and how do you overcome them?

As time goes by and I gain experience, work challenges become less of a thing. If I have to name one, I would say the time difference. Doing the math to schedule a meeting when I need to communicate with a new participant is a little complicated. If I communicate with too many participants at the same time I get a bit lost in time.

What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?

Be prepared and open-minded! Traveling is all about exploring and relaxing. Be prepared for the new up-coming experiences and be open-minded for things. This approach will lead you to a better experience!

What makes Edu-Pal China special?

Our company is unique. We have a very self-motivated team, young, and energetic. We are supportive of each other. Our team feels like a family, we communicate, share, develop, and trust! We all believe in the value of the programs we offer. We keep in mind Edu-Pals’ expectations and do our best to fulfill their wish to travel, experience, and learn!

What makes Edu-Pal China easy to market to potential participants?

Potential participants will be surprised with our program offers, our patience to listen to their needs, and our current and alumni EPs' experience. We will do our best to help potential participants fully understand the program before joining us!

What do you hope participants take away from your programs?

I hope they learn chinese language and understand the culture! But in a deeper way, I hope all of them will grow up a bit in this program. Every experience has its own challenges. I hope our participants find out more of themselves and have a better idea of who they are going to be when finishing the program.

How do you help support participants?

Edu-Pal support is one of our top priorities. We provide one Facilitator for every ten Edu-Pals, in addition to a one on one Peer-Mentor support system, to ensure that each participant is well supported. Though I am not the program facilitator, I will be there whenever our students need me. We try our best to support them and give them the best program experience possible.

If you could participate in one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?

I would say I would go to any of the program cities. They are all perfect cities for foreign people to explore China. And I would do my best to join all the cultural activities and language classes. To learn as much as I can during the program!

Why do you think learning a new language is important?

Language is the bridge of cultures! Language connects the world! When we are learning a new language, we are not only learning the grammar and letters/character, but also the culture. It’s better to learn while having the chance to communicate with the native people as well. Language opens a door to a new culture.

What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?

Be prepared, brave, and open-minded! Going abroad is all about exploring and learning. Be prepared for the up-coming new experience, be open-minded for new things and you will get a better experience!

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

Meaningful travel means that I would learn or gain something new during the trip. That I would have a better idea of who I am going to be and find out more of myself to be prepared for my future life.