My Chinesepod Office Visit

Well, I must say, I enjoyed my visit to Shanghai, and I do want to make a return trip! When I do, I would like to pay another visit to the Chinesepod office, because there were some members there that I did not get to meet. Specifically, I would like to meet Connie and John.

As I told Jenny when I visited, the visit to the office was important for me, as Chinesepod had become a part of my daily life. I felt a sense of accomplishment because when I first started studying Chinese, I wasn't sure if I was going to stay with it, or ever have an opportunity to actually visit China.  I think back to the early days for me back in 2008, when I was listening to the welcome newbie lessons, learning words like 'nihao' and 'lai', and not really understanding anything about Chinese language or culture. What I see today is that the Chinesepod team does an excellent job with presenting the content to the listener in a way that is culturally smooth. What I mean is that it was done in a way that allowed me to focus on language learning without the distractions that may arise from cultural differences.

At any rate, it is a shame that I cannot meet Pete, or Ken, or some of the other previous members of the staff, but I do hope to meet the others.

My impression of the office and group is favorable. The office was set up in what I would describe as an informal, and relaxed setup. The room was well lit, and there was a pool table for recreation. While there was an informal feel to the office, I also sensed a true professionalism as well. Everyone was working while I was there, and I get the sense that things are done in an efficient manner.

Everyone I met was friendly and greeted me. As for Jenny, I felt that the warmth was genuine and sincere. It may not be a surprise to hear that jenny's spoken Chinese was very smooth, clear, and at a very accessible pase for me to easily understand. She presented a friendly, down to earth, and polite person who absolutely has a passion for teaching. I also appreciate the fact that, while I was there, she extended herself, and made an effort to understand and know me a little bit. This is refreshing, because this type of thing does not always happen in the corporate world.

Thanks again Jenny for your wonderful hospitality. I mean it when I say that it was important to me to visit the office.

I have been an avid ChinesePod learner since 2006. Jenny, from the get-go, is the true soul of the podcast, without at all, overlooking the other great contributors - (John, Di Lu, Connie, David, Amber, et al.) , to the learning experience whom I all enjoy listening to. I always associate Jenny's clear and friendly voice with my earliest, difficult days of this great journey of learning mandarin.

Xiang Si Yao

Judging from the photo view counts, there is much interest in Chinesepod.  Particularly, the two photos with Jenny had high photo view counts. She must be important to many people. :)

Jenny looks great as always!

George,

Hope you are enjoying your stay in Shanghai. Thank you for visiting us! 

How great to see these pictures!  Thanks for posting them.  But it would have been nice to see a picture of John, too!  I assume he wasn't there?

thanks George. Great photos and also a great reference if we wanna find the building in future. Glad you had a good time :)