Photo of me in Suzhou, China in 2017. Photo taken by my wife.
Hi, I’m Conner Hawks or 雷鹰岱, a passionate Mandarin tutor with over a decade of experience studying the Chinese language and culture. My journey began more than 13 years ago and has taken me across the world, including extended time living in China where I immersed myself in everyday life, language, and traditions. As a native English speaker who has walked the same learning path many of my students are now on, I know where the challenges lie, and how to overcome them. Whether it’s mastering grammar particles like 了, learning how to properly write characters, or building confidence in conversation, I provide patient, personalized instruction designed to help you thrive. I’ve worked with learners of all ages and backgrounds, and I love seeing the moment when things finally click. Let’s make Mandarin make sense—together.