Erin Chen - Our Team

Tarina grew up in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, with Mandarin as her first language. Inspired by her primary school homeroom teacher, who profoundly shaped her outlook, she aspired to become a caring teacher dedicated to helping every child reach their potential. Her childhood love of Hong Kong films also sparked her interest in Cantonese, which she now speaks confidently.

Tarina obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Chinese Language and Literature from Xi'an International Studies University. After that, she chose Hong Kong to further pursue her master’s studies and work. Tarina possesses a Master's Degree in Chinese Language, Literature and Culture from Hong Kong Baptist University, with a focus on culture studies. Driven by her passion for Chinese language and culture, she went on to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language at the University of Hong Kong, while also earning a professional certificate in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP).

Tarina is a naturally curious person, eager to understand how students of different grades

develop. She has worked as a Chinese teacher at IB PYP school in Hong Kong, mainly teaching local and non-Chinese speaking children. She later moved to Malvern College HK as MYP Chinese teacher where she helped build bridges between PYP and MYP curriculum, as well as supported her students with achieving excellent results in the IGCSE exams. Tarina’s career goal is to become a versatile educator, capable of addressing the diverse developmental needs of different students through providing them with greater support and encouraging them to always stay curious.

In her personal life, Tarina is a huge movie fan. She also plays the pipa (a traditional Chinese lute) and holds the highest level certificate in pipa performance. With a deep love for culture, she enjoys exploring cultural landscapes in various places and has recently developed a passion for café culture.

In the vast expanse of education, Ms. Wang has become a highly respected educator with her profound professional expertise, unwavering dedication, and rich practical experience. She not only has a solid foundation with a Bachelor's degree in Translation from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, but she has also pursued further studies, obtaining a Master's degree in International Chinese Language Teaching from the Hong Kong Education University. This academic background has laid a solid foundation for her outstanding achievements in language teaching.

Ms. Wang's teaching journey has been multifaceted. She has not only infused her keen journalistic insights into the classroom, but she has also honed her writing skills and sharp social observation through internships at the Three Gorges Times, where she conducted on-site interviews and reporting. Furthermore, she has demonstrated her talent in the translation field, serving as a translation intern at the YGYM Translation Service Company in Shanghai accumulating rich practical experience. Additionally, as a writer for the official account of the City University of Hong Kong on WeChat and Weibo, she has built bridges of communication through her writings, showcasing her strong foundations in cross-cultural communication.

Ms. Wang is not only an exceptional educator but also an active practitioner of social welfare. She enthusiastically participates in volunteer activities, from the Hong Kong New Home Association to online teaching projects around the world, using English as a bridge to illuminate the lighthouse of knowledge for primary school students. As an online teacher, she meticulously designs programs and creates English and Chinese presentation materials contributing her wisdom and efforts to global volunteer initiatives.

Ms. Wang deeply understands the uniqueness of each student. With an open and inclusive mindset, she adapts to diverse learning needs and creates a warm and challenging classroom environment through her excellent communication skills. In her classes, students not only master solid language skills but also gain a profound understanding of the allure of different cultures, developing flexible language skills and cross-cultural communication abilities. Ms. Wang firmly believes that the power of education lies in igniting potential and bestowing students with the courage and wisdom to explore the world. She is putting this educational philosophy into practice through her actions, guiding students towards a broader future.

Yiming Gu grew up in Guangzhou, mainland China. His career in education was inspired by a cartoon about a teacher who guided disappointed students onto the right path to a bright future. Therefore, after completing his undergraduate degree, he chose to further his studies in Hong Kong and obtained his Master's degree in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language at EdUHK. He then spent three years working in a Hong Kong international school, supporting various students as a teaching assistant before advancing himself and obtaining his Postgraduate Diploma in Education at HKU. Next, he became a Chinese teacher and a form teacher in a secondary school, where he found fulfillment in shaping young minds and winning students' affection.

Throughout his teaching career, Yiming encountered a diverse array of students hailing from various cultural and social backgrounds while working in a range of organizations. Yiming believes that each student harbors a unique and captivating spirit within, along with a domain where their brilliance can truly illuminate. He advocates for educators to nurture students, guiding them towards becoming self-motivated lifelong learners through purposeful real-world instruction.

Outside the classroom, Yiming finds joy in travel, photography, and hands-on crafting. This warm and patient individual strives to meet diverse learning needs, encouraging every student to explore the beautiful world, reach their full potential, and grow into knowledgeable, well-rounded, and thoughtful individuals.