Team

Culture Yard’s team is made up of a multi-national group of individuals – between the staff we almost cover every continent and speak 15 different languages! This talented group of people have come together from all points of the world to make Culture Yard what it is today. Each bringing their own skill and experience in various fields to engage and improve our classes, workshops and daily activities. The mixture of cultures and backgrounds that make up Culture Yard’s team has made our aim of being a unique language school that focuses also on the culture behind a language as well as the language itself very exciting. 

All of our staff are always willing to help with any question you have about a workshop or class, just contact us at contact@cultureyard.net and someone will get back to you with a quick reply!

Ilya: world traveller, teacher and entrepreneur. After finishing his East Asia and economics studies in the Hebrew university, Ilya moved to China to work on his Mandarin in 2008. After spending more than two years teaching and studying in different schools and cities across China, Ilya decided to open a school of his own with the belief that language could and should be taught differently. With his goal in mind Ilya spent a year looking for the perfect location, the most suitable learning environment, best teachers and learning materials to make sure that Culture Yard will not be just another language school. Ilya speaks English, Hebrew, Russian and Chinese and is currently studying Dutch, French and Spanish.

Klara: Klara was born and raised in the Czech Republic, yet she has lived in many countries and experienced many cultures in her life. During her Management of Tourism bachelor degree she had the opportunity to live in France, Taiwan, and the UK, giving her a wider perspective on global business and culture.  Klara has been in Beijing since 2008, initially working for an American High School as the international student coordinator while studying Mandarin and travelling around Asia. Since then she decided to go back to Europe to get a MA in Chinese Studies at Leiden University in The Netherlands and came back to Beijing earlier this year with perfect Mandarin and a deeper love for the city and its people. Klara is our Office Manager and speaks Czech, English, Mandarin, German and French.

Michael: After Michael studied Psychology in Jerusalem he began organizing outdoor activities all around Israel. His passion for hiking has taken him all over the world, getting to know different routes, landscapes and cultures along the way. He was an army medic for three years in the Israeli army, which has given him the experience he needs to be alert and prepared for any situation. Michael has created a strong, interesting and unique outdoor activity schedule. He is also Culture Yard’s Chinese Education Supervisor, which he is enjoying very much as he comes from a household of teachers, so he has the knowledge to adjust classes for each student and how to recognise student’s needs as well as teacher’s. Michael speaks English, Hebrew, and Russian and is learning Mandarin.

Camille: Camille graduated from Beijing Language and Culture University with a BA in Chinese Language and Literature.She previously worked in the Tokyo Gallery’s PR department as their main PR representative, which allowed her to see another side to the Beijing cultural scene. Camille is now our Chinese Marketing Supervisor and is working closely with local businesses and other cultural centres like Culture Yard.  She speaks Mandarin, Cantonese and English.

Sam: Sam comes from a Turkish background and is currently doing his Bachelors degree in Business & Management in the Netherlands, where he was born and raised. He is spending some time here in Beijing working in Culture Yard’s marketing department and learning Mandarin. His degree has introduced him to many skills, which he has applied to Culture Yard and is aiding in developing a strong marketing scheme. Sam speaks English, Dutch, Turkish, German, Spanish and his Mandarin is getting better everyday.

Joyce:  is currently doing her BA degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language and Cross Culture Communication at the Communication University of China. She has had a lot of experience dealing with different cultures and the international community in Beijing. She worked for the CUC office as the liaison for foreign guest and international students. She speaks fluent Chinese and English.

Workshops:

Ariel: Miami born artist and educator, Ariel Mario Tudela attended the New World School of the Arts and Florida International University where he studied painting, drawing and photography.  He went on to be an exhibition designer and coordinator at the prestigious Miami Art Museum where he helped set up many exhibitions for high profile artists and artworks, working directly with artists and curators. Ariel has also been teaching painting to children as well as adults since the age of 15. He has been in Beijing since 2007 and is currently teaching with Juren (巨人学交 Schools as well as organising the Art History Class and Discussing American Culture workshop here at Culture Yard. Ariel speaks fluent English and Spanish, and conversational Mandarin.

Giulia: Italian native Giulia Falato has been in Beijing for two years, where she studied ‘Teaching Chinese as a Second Language’ at the Beijing Language and Culture University. She has worked as a translator since 2007 and has gained a lot of experience working with languages and different cultures. Giulia is also an Italian teacher at Peking University and is responsible for the external liaisons between Peking University, the Italian government and academic institutions. She has a good idea of what foreigners need to know when they first arrive in Beijing, which is why she is in charge of our weekly Survival Chinese Workshop. Giulia knows exactly how it feels to be a new comer in this crazy city and her workshop reflects that. She speaks Chinese, Italian, English and Spanish.

Joshua:  While Joshua was doing his degree at Peking University he was very involved in the university’s student groups.He was the president of the Student’s Calligraphy and Painting Association, which got 3rd place in the top 10 associations at PKU. He has always had a deep interest in learning about different cultures and travelling. Joshua organises our Chinese culture workshops and is working hard on increasing the blend of local Chinese culture and the Ex-pat community in our centre. Joshua speaks fluent English and Mandarin. Joshua hosts our Calligraphy and Mahjong workshops.

Peter: Peter Carney is a freelance British photographer based in Beijing, China. Peter has over 5 years experience working inBeijing, Seoul and London as a photographer. Peter’s work has been exhibited internationally and published in several major publications including, The Times, The Independent on Sunday, The Korean Times, China Daily and GEO Italy.  He is represented by Demotic Photo Agency and his work has been exhibited internationally and won several awards. Peter hosts monthly Photography Workshops and Seminars at Culture Yard.

Emma: Emma received her degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language at the Beijing Language and Culture University. Before working at Culture Yard Emma was working with international film directors as their translator and helping them interact with local businesses. She was also a private Chinese teacher at the English First language-training centre. Emma is hosting our Chinese Culture Workshops every Monday evening.

Check out our language teachers!