Ronald Lemos--an internationally respected Brazilian lawyer, with outstanding performance in the areas of technology, data protection, intellectual property, media, and public policy.
My name is Ronald Lemos and I am from Brail. I was a student of Professor Hou when I taught at Columbia University and living in New York at the time. We had classes almost every day, and those sessions ultimately led both of us back to China, where I filmed a documentary series about Chinese technology titled Expresso Futuro. The series is available on YouTube and was produced for Brazilian TV. Professor Hou was absolutely instrumental in its success—millions have now watched it online via Brazilian TV.
My experience learning Chinese with her was truly exceptional. I hope you have the same wonderful experience working with her, and I want to express my deepest gratitude to her for being an outstanding teacher and professor.
James Delbourgo---writer and history professor at Rutgers University
Xiaohong Hou is an extraordinary Mandarin instructor, under whom we have studied for 6 years. She provides focused attention on your spoken Chinese and minute attention to character composition. But she is also an impeccable guide to Chinese culture, history and current events — extraordinarily generous with her time and perspectives. Good-humoured, knowledgeable and deeply committed to her students, she is an outstanding teacher in every imaginable way.
Matthew Reyes Lee-- NYU class of 2024
Hou Laoshi is the best Chinese teacher I’ve ever had. In college, she is the only Chinese teacher I chose to take three separate classes with. Every class with her, whether online or in-person, was an experience I genuinely looked forward to. If I could have taken more classes with her, I would have done so without any doubt.
What makes her classes unique is that she combines her knowledge with patience and approachability. Only some professors can truly do this, and Hou Laoshi is one of them. Especially in a difficult language like Chinese, Hou Laoshi can turn challenging materials into something engaging and enjoyable.
As much as she is a competent teacher, she is also genuinely passionate about people. She cares deeply about all her students, not only as learners of Chinese, but also as people. When I struggled with my confidence in speaking Chinese, Hou Laoshi encouraged me to trust in myself and to see mistakes as room to grow, not setbacks. Hou Laoshi believed in my potential in times when I didn’t believe in myself. Until today, I still carry that same mindset when speaking Chinese. I may not speak it perfectly, but that doesn’t stop me from trying. So, Hou Laoshi has made me a better student and well-rounded individual.
If you put in the effort, she can help you improve your Chinese. You won’t regret being Hou Laoshi’s student—I certainly don’t.