Background, Credentials, and Approach of a Certified Flagship Scholar

Jeff Kellogg's relationship with Mandarin Chinese started in high school, where he studied both Spanish and Chinese before committing fully to Chinese after his first exchange trip to China. What followed was more than two decades of intensive study, formal academic training, and years spent living inside the language in China itself. experience that now shapes every lesson and consulting engagement he takes on.

Academic Credentials

Jeff is a graduate of the University of Oregon's Chinese Flagship Program, where he earned a double major in Chinese and International Studies. The Chinese Flagship Program is a National Security Education Program initiative specifically designed to produce globally fluent scholars in critical languages. a standard that goes well beyond conventional university language study.

Prior to enrolling in the Flagship Program, Jeff completed intensive language study through the Academy of Chinese Language Study in Beijing and the NYU–Beijing Yucai School.

In 2012, Jeff passed HSK Level 6. at the time the highest level of the Chinese government's Mandarin proficiency test for non-native speakers. in both the written and reading components, as well as the HSKK in listening and speaking. He also holds an ILR-3 score on the Oral Proficiency Index (OPI), the level required to teach Chinese in U.S. military and intelligence contexts.

Time in China

Jeff spent more than five years living, working, and studying in China. primarily in Beijing, Nanjing, and Qingdao. During that time he was enrolled for a full year at Nanjing University alongside Chinese students, taking courses taught entirely in Chinese across subjects including psychology, physics, and alternative energy. He also worked for Chinese firms, facilitated business development for American companies operating in China, and consulted for business professionals navigating Chinese culture and commerce. That on-the-ground experience is the foundation of his China business consulting work, which covers everything from pre-trip cultural briefings to supplier negotiations.

Teaching Experience

Jeff has been teaching Mandarin Chinese for 13 years, working primarily with individual students both in-person and online, with experience in group settings as well. He teaches all levels. from absolute beginners working on their first tones to advanced students preparing for HSK certification. and also teaches Chinese business culture to non-Chinese professionals who work with or travel to China. Before any lessons begin, he conducts an interview and skill evaluation so that no session is wasted on material that does not fit where a student is right now. Full details on lesson format, frequency, and what to expect are covered on the Mandarin lessons page.

In 2015, Jeff was a panel speaker at the National Chinese Language Conference.

His Approach

Having spent more than 20 years as a Mandarin learner himself, Jeff understands exactly what it feels like to be at every stage of the process. what works, what wastes time, and what habits separate students who make real progress from those who plateau. His teaching centers on drilling fundamentals from a perspective that most textbooks cannot offer: that of someone who has genuinely been in the student's shoes. If you are ready to get started, Jeff offers a free initial consultation before you commit to anything.