What inspired you to work for Lingoinn?
I first met Ying, the founder of Lingoinn, at a female entrepreneurs event hosted by a Business School in London. She was the Mandarin course coordinator and teacher at the same university where I was pursuing my Executive MBA. Her vision for Lingoinn resonated deeply with my passion for education and my personal experiences as a language learner.
Originally from Brazil, I personally experienced the challenges of learning a new language when I relocated to London. This is why I genuinely believe that immersive experiences are the most effective way to improve language skills. Lingoinn embodies this philosophy, providing students with opportunities to learn and grow through authentic experiences that bring language learning to life.
With a background in brand and marketing consultancy for global brands and a newfound focus on start-ups, I saw a unique opportunity to contribute to Lingoinn’s mission. Working with Ying, who is not only a fantastic Chinese teacher but also a wise businesswoman, has been a privilege and a truly remarkable partnership over all these years.
Patricia enjoying a day out with her team.
Why do you do what you do?
I absolutely love what I do at Lingoinn! It’s all about being part of a mission that truly resonates with me. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about helping to build our brand and sharing the amazing experiences we have to offer with more and more people. What really drives me, though, is hearing the wonderful stories from our students. Knowing that our services make a positive difference in their lives brings me so much joy. It’s a privilege to listen to their journeys and celebrate their successes together!
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love experimenting with new tools and strategies to help us grow and make our services more accessible to students worldwide. We genuinely value the feedback we receive, as it’s essential for improving our offerings. Nothing makes me happier than discovering new ways to enhance the experience for our students, prospective students, teachers, partners, and our amazing team.
What are some current projects you are working on?
We’re thrilled to be working on the launch of our new website. This redesign will significantly enhance the user experience, making it easier to find the right information. Additionally, we’re excited about our expansion plans, which will enable us to support even more learners. We can’t wait to share all the exciting news with everyone soon.
What advice would you give your pre-travel self?
If I could give advice to my pre-travel self, I’d say: “Do some research on your destination to understand its culture, language, and customs. Also, choose a travel company that provides all the support you need to ensure you feel comfortable and prepared”. This way, you’ll enjoy a smoother and more enriching experience, knowing that you have reliable assistance every step of the way. Plus, don’t forget to embrace the adventure and have fun!
Patricia in Rome strolling with her little one
What makes Lingoinn stand out?
What makes Lingoinn truly special is our heartfelt dedication to carefully planning and organizing everything to meet the needs of every student. We take great pride in our professionalism and expertise in teaching the Chinese language. Our founder, a former university lecturer in Chinese with over two decades of experience, is also a published author of Business Chinese learning books. This wealth of knowledge and experience is the foundation of our programs.
Plus, all our wonderful host teachers are qualified professionals, many working in schools or universities in China or Taiwan. They bring a deep understanding of the language and the culture, providing students with an immersive and enriching learning experience.
Why should someone choose Lingoinn over competitors?
We have several key reasons that truly set us apart! First and foremost, we understand that everyone’s learning journey is unique. That’s why our language programs are tailored to fit their individual needs and goals, ensuring that each learner gets the most out of their time while studying abroad. We want to see them thrive, and our personalized approach makes all the difference!
One of the unique aspects of Lingoinn is our homestay experience. Instead of just staying with a local family, our students will have the wonderful opportunity to live with their teacher’s family. This means they can practice their language skills continuously and immerse themselves in the Chinese culture, creating a rich and meaningful connection beyond their lesson time.
We also offer fun cultural integration activities that help enhance our learners’ understanding of Chinese culture while providing practical language practice. These experiences are designed to be enjoyable and enlightening, making their learning journey even more memorable.
Lastly, we’re here for our students every step of the way! From planning their trip to providing local orientation and ongoing support during their stay. Our team is dedicated to ensuring they have a smooth and enriching experience.
What makes Lingoinn easy to market to potential participants? How do you personalize this?
At Lingoinn, we are truly passionate about creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and motivated to learn. This makes it easy to form meaningful connections that enhance the overall experience. We cherish our dedication to personalized learning; we design our Mandarin programs to match each individual's unique needs and aspirations, ensuring everyone embarks on an effective and fulfilling journey.
We are firm believers that learning is a lifelong journey, and it’s never too late to start. That’s why we are particularly passionate about encouraging mature learners to pursue their dreams, offering all the support they need, and creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels safe to explore new opportunities. We’re delighted to share that our personalized services and bespoke programs have empowered many learners in their 60s and 70s to fulfill their lifelong dreams of visiting China or Taiwan and learning Chinese.
Finally, we’ve had the joy of helping many participants achieve their language goals, and hearing their wonderful stories about their time with us truly warms our hearts. Their kind words reflect the love and effort we pour into our programs, making Lingoinn a wonderful choice for anyone looking to learn Mandarin in a friendly and personalized environment.
Patricia taking a quick break during their team meeting
What is your organization's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
Lingoinn’s mission is to bridge Eastern and Western cultures, enabling people from all walks of life to experience China, Taiwan, and Singapore firsthand while learning Chinese through unique and memorable experiences.
We achieve this through immersive learning experiences that help students master Mandarin while deeply engaging with Chinese culture. Our approach includes a rigorous recruitment process to select certified teachers who provide high-quality instruction. These teachers not only teach the language but also host students, allowing them to experience daily life and culture firsthand.
Additionally, we offer a variety of cultural activities and sightseeing tours to complement language learning. This holistic approach ensures that students learn the language and understand the cultural context in which it is used. We also prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment for our students, ensuring they feel comfortable and engaged throughout their learning journey.
By combining these elements, we continue to offer enriching and effective learning experiences that bring our mission to life.
What do you hope participants gain from your programs?
Participants in Lingoinn programs can expect to gain a deep and immersive understanding of the Mandarin language and Chinese culture. Through personalized instruction and real-life practice, they will significantly improve their Mandarin proficiency, especially in speaking and comprehension, more quickly than they might have imagined.
Living with professional teachers in their homes allows participants to experience daily life in China, providing a rich cultural context that enhances language learning. The immersive environment encourages participants to step out of their comfort zones, fostering greater confidence and independence. Building relationships with host families and local communities offers a unique perspective and lasting friendships.
Overall, Lingoinn aims to provide a transformative experience that goes beyond traditional classroom learning, equipping participants with the skills and insights to navigate and appreciate a different culture.
How do you help and support participants?
At Lingoinn, we genuinely care about supporting our participants every step of the way! We provide continuous support before and during their stay, starting by recommending location options and finding the best teacher that aligns with each individual’s goals. We then craft personalized learning plans, offering personal advice and helping with any challenges that may arise.
Our commitment doesn’t stop there. To make studying abroad more accessible, we also offer scholarships and attractive discounts to ease the financial burden. This comprehensive approach ensures that our participants have an enriching and stress-free experience.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures is truly enriching! I experienced it myself when I was a university student, and I highly recommend it to anyone. It broadens your perspective, helping you appreciate different cultures and values and gain insights into different ways of life. It also promotes personal growth—navigating new places and meeting different people builds confidence and adaptability.
Plus, immersing yourself in a foreign language can improve your skills in a fun way! Being in a country where a different language is spoken forces you to practice and improve your language abilities, which can be personally and professionally beneficial. Finally, the friendships and memories you create along the journey will stay with you forever. I still keep in touch with some wonderful friends from my time abroad, even after all these years!
Patricia discovering Greece
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language enriches your life in so many ways! It opens up a new world of travel and adventure, letting you explore new places and connect with amazing people from different cultures. I absolutely love those moments when I wander through a vibrant market in a foreign country and get to chat with the locals or make new friends from around the globe.
Plus, being multilingual can give you a leg up in the job market. Many employers today truly appreciate language skills, especially as our world becomes more interconnected. So, you're not just broadening your horizons but also boosting your career opportunities!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel is so much more than just ticking off destinations on a list. It’s about immersing myself in different cultures, connecting with local communities, and leaving a positive mark wherever I go. It’s the kind of travel that leaves me with a deeper understanding of the world and a sense of fulfillment.
I love opportunities to experience things that challenge my perspectives, creating memories and connections that go beyond the typical tourist experience. It’s a journey of personal growth and self-discovery.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I envision a future where international education is truly borderless and more diverse. People of all ages should have the opportunity to learn anytime, anywhere, and pursue whatever subjects they are passionate about. Unique programs like ours, emphasizing personal enrichment and promoting blended and experiential learning, should be more widely recognized and accessible to the public.
