Persistence, Connection, and Culture: Joseph Vincent’s Journey from Student to Teacher

You Can Learn Chinese

In this episode, we sit down with Joseph Vincent, a passionate Chinese and Spanish teacher in California. While growing up in rural Ohio, he visited cousins living in France which sparked his interest in languages. Later while in high school, he spent a year as an exchange student in Taiwan, an immersive and challenging Chinese learning experience that transformed his perspective.

Joseph reflects on his journey from struggling with tones and characters to achieving fluency, emphasizing the role of community, persistence, and connection. He also shares how these experiences inspired his teaching philosophy and offers practical tips for language learners.

Tune in to hear Joseph’s story and gain insights into mastering Chinese, the impact of immersion, and how learning languages can unlock a deeper connection to the world.

Links from the episode:

• Mandarin Companion | Graded readers

• Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us