1st lesson free
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Portia
- Rate R428
- Response 1h
R428/h
Contact
1st lesson free
- Chinese
- Mandarin
Cool person with 15 years of experience in international relations ready to help you learn Mandarin!
- Chinese
- Mandarin
Lesson location
About Portia
I've lived and worked in China, so I teach the language as it's actually spoken, alongside the cultural context that makes it make sense. My background is in research and communication, which means I'm good at diagnosing exactly why something isn't clicking and adjusting how I explain it. I also coach professionally, so I know how to set realistic goals, keep motivation up, and meet learners where they are without judgment. Lessons are patient, structured, and genuinely enjoyable.
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About the lesson
- Primary
- Secondary
- Matric/GCSE
- +18
levels :
Primary
Secondary
Matric/GCSE
AS Level
A Level
BTech
Adult education
Masters
Doctorate
MBA
A1
A2
B1
B2
C1
C2
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Professional
Kids
- English
Languages in which the lesson is available :
English
My teaching method and techniques
I focus on getting you speaking early and often, because confidence with the spoken language is what keeps people going. Lessons are built around real situations you'll actually use, ordering food, giving directions, introducing yourself, rather than memorizing lists in isolation. I use spaced repetition for vocabulary and tones so things stick, and I bring in authentic material like menus, signs, and short audio clips so the language feels connected to real life. Tones get attention from day one, since they're where self-teaching learners most often get stuck.
A typical lesson plan
A lesson usually runs in three parts. We open with a short warm-up conversation using what you already know, which builds fluency and shows me where you are that day. Then we work on the day's focus, a practical scenario, a grammar pattern, or a set of characters, with plenty of speaking practice. We close by pulling it together in a role-play or short exchange so you leave having actually used the new material. You get a small amount of targeted practice between sessions, enough to reinforce without becoming a burden.
What sets me apart
I've lived and worked in China, so I teach the language as it's actually spoken, alongside the cultural context that makes it make sense. My background is in research and communication, which means I'm good at diagnosing exactly why something isn't clicking and adjusting how I explain it. I also coach professionally, so I know how to set realistic goals, keep motivation up, and meet learners where they are without judgment. Lessons are patient, structured, and genuinely enjoyable.
See more
Rates
Rate
- R428
Package rates
- 5h: R2140
- 10h: R4280
online
- R428/h
free lesson
The free first lesson with Portia allows you to get to know the tutor and discuss your needs and expectations.
- 1h
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