The Learning Adventure is a close-knit team of professional learners and enthusiastic adventurers. There’s one group of people who are particularly important, because they work hard day in and day out and are always bursting with energy. They’re the people who can make or break an educational tour – and trust us, our tour guides make them! So we sat down with a few of our team on the ground to find out what makes them tick. Let’s kick things off with Jack, our Adventure Leader in Beijing.
How did you become a tour guide?
I graduated from Beijing Second Foreign Language Institute in 2003. I never thought I’d be a tour guide, but things just worked out that way. One of my friends used to work in a hutong tour company, so he introduced me to working as a tour guide so I could practise my English. I thought it was a great idea. But then I found that I really liked doing the job…showing people around and telling them the stories, history and customs of my hometown. And I learned so much from the schools I was showing around as well. So after 3 years of working in a hutong tour company, I decided to be a professional tour guide in Beijing. After I passed the test, I got my license.
What do you love about being a tour guide?
I’ve been a tour guide since 2006 – that’s 13 years and counting! I love my job, I love talking to student groups, I feel young when I stay with young people. Their passion, energy, innocence and sincerity inspire me every day.
Are there any specific student groups you’ve guided who have made a lasting impression on you?
I once took a group from Pakistan, a youth delegation. I was so touched and really overjoyed when they started shouting “East, West, Jack is best!” It was a great honour for me, better than any gift. And the tour I’m taking now – last night before dinner, when I walked down the stairs, all the students in the courtyard cheered and applauded me. I felt like a king! That’s the best gift for me, when I know the students like me and appreciate my work.
Chairman Mao said “serve the people”. I’d like to serve my clients with all my heart. I got on really well with my last group – one of the students said “Jack, I’ll never forget your smile.”
What’s your favourite thing about Beijing?
Beijing is my hometown. I love Beijing. The history impresses me a lot.
Tell us some of your most memorable travel stories.
One time, an American man and I stayed in one of the watchtowers on the Great Wall. It was during the New Year, so it was freezing up there, even with the stove and double sleeping bags! The first 20 minutes were so bad, we felt like we were in a fridge. We kept talking and talking to try to keep ourselves motivated, and gradually we got used to it.
How would your friends describe you in 3 words?
Trustworthy, nice, considerate.
How would your family describe you in 3 words?
Responsible, reliable, kind.
Here are just a handful of kind words about Jack:
“Jack was absolutely amazing! He was so professional. We all loved him.” – Teacher at V Travel Network Australia
“Jack was extremely good at relating to the students and they learned a lot from him. Jack was very good at balancing the need of information and the need for fun. The students loved Jack’s style and singing. The trip was extremely smooth due to his organization.” – Teacher at Hills Road Sixth Form College
“I spent 8 years of my life as a tour manager – Jack was exceptional! He had excellent English, provided additional educational information wherever possible, works wonderfully with teenagers (get[s] them excited to learn) supplements information when a local guide’s English was harder to follow, used Mandarin with the students often to help them learn phrases and was always firm but polite with everyone in our group. He’s a true gent and we’d lo[v]e to have him on our next trip.” – Teacher at Staples High School
“I went on a trip with you guys with my school…to China in early July, and I’d just like to say how amazing our guide Jack was. This guy should…probably run a country. On a serious level, he was polite, kind, and happy to answer our silly questions. He made our trip :)” – Student
We like to show off our tour guides. And our tour guides like to show off their home. Email us [email protected] or shoot us a message on the chat!
