Unlock Your World
Dive into a world of food and wine, immersive travel tales, and effective TEFL teaching in China.
Who I Am
I'm Ivan Roberts and having spent six decades of my life living and working in the UK, I decided to pursue my lifelong craving for adventure, where else but in the far east. I visited China as a tourist several times between 2014 and 2020 but in 2024 I made the decision to establish a second home in Liaoning Province, Northeast China, which is my base for travelling, teaching, and conducting my commercial enterprise.
I teach English as a Foreign Language to students and teachers in the heartland of China’s industrial Northeastern provinces. I also provide support for anyone undertaking an IELTS test for study or work purposes. Full or modular courses are available depending on individuals' needs.
My commercial activity involves the production and export of wine. As Director of European Operations, I represent Cong Gang Orchards. With 15,000 acres of prime pear trees growing in the Qinshan mountains we produce the most incredibly aromatic and flavoursome table wine available. Our pears are Nanguo Li (pronounced "nangwa lee"), a species of fruit unique to Liaoning - they simply will not take root anywhere else on the planet due to the soil and environment conditions they need to flourish.
With a lifelong passion for two-wheeled adventure, I've ridden over 250,000 miles throughout Europe on a motorcycle but, despite early optimism, I no longer harbour any intentions of riding in China. I've witnessed many serious road traffic accidents so for me, travelling in China involves four wheels, train tracks, or wings. When I'm not traveling, teaching, or engaged in business activities, I try to learn mandarin.
25
Years of Experience
500+
Students Taught
29
Countries Explored
Chinese food and drink
I love Chinese food and drink. So let me tell you about it!
I spent my first two years of my life in Anshan dining in different restaurants every day. Not one occasion was served a dish that I'd eaten before. Every restaurant applies its own unique twist to established dishes or they create totally new, exciting flavour combinations, as yet undiscovered outside China.
China's love affair with food stretches back to ancient times. There are 'Eight Great Traditions of Chinese Cuisine'. All of which are based on the eight distinct regional cuisines renowned throughout the country. With their unique flavour combinations, and cooking methods, these very distinct culinary styles perfectly define Chinese cuisine through the country’s demography, geography, climatic variations, and cultural heritage.
100 Years of Winemaking
Cultivated for over 100 years in Anshan, Nanguo pears are seen growing in the Qinshan mountain orchards, filling the air with an enchantingly sweet fragrance throughout the summer. Nestled in the heart of Liaoning Province, Anshan is the exclusive home of Nanguo Li pears. Cong Gang orchards covers 15,000 acres of Nanguo Li trees and produces some of best wines on the Asian continent.
TEFL and IELTS Teaching
Providing comprehensive English language instruction tailored to students' needs through my own brand of LEARN English. Everyone is welcome!
Lessons are organised according to the three levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR) applicable to:
- Beginners
- Intermediates
- Advanced
- Students learn to speak English the way it is meant to be spoken.
- Students develop their English vocabulary and language skills through one-to-one support.
- Students develop their handwriting skills, spelling, and punctuation.
I also deliver bespoke teaching packages for anyone sitting the IELTS test.
Travel Adventures
Capturing the essence of cultures and experiences from my journeys.
Steeped in ancient history, diverse culture, breathtaking scenery, and mind-blowing technological advances, China is often described as a "wonderful" place to visit; and indeed it is!
That said, China serves a monumental feast for anyone that takes the time to enjoy it. Of course the Forbidden City, Terracotta Army, and Great Wall are impressive sights to behold, but most will only dream of following the Yangtze River from central China through Wuhan and Nanjing to Shanghai, or the Tibetan Mountains for hundreds of miles through abandoned earthquake-struck native communities, or scale the volcanic walls of Changbai Shan, or explore the extensive network of underground water caves at Benxi. These are all humbling, life-affirming experiences. Not just because of the stunning natural landscapes they exude, but because of the people that live there, their community spirit, sense of national pride, strong family values, culture and traditions, and their infectious love of life.
Get in touch
Phone: 07857 548189 (UK) or +86 131 0412 5783 (China)
E-mail: ivan@ivanrobertsuk.com
WeChat: IvanRobertsUK