As a full time Educational Programs Coordinator at The Hutong, Jeffrey Schwab is quite busy in his role in program development – most recently traveling to the mountains of Shandong to visit Confucius’ hometown, as well as trailblazing an all-new adult travel program to the vast steppe of Inner Mongolia. We caught up with Jeffrey prior to his setting off to follow in Ghengis Khan’s footsteps one more time.

How did you get involved with The Hutong?

I performed with Beijing Improv’s English and bilingual group. We used to run improv workshops at The Hutong, and Mark approached me about running theatrical Hutong walking tours. I said yes, and the rest is history. My foot was already in the door.

What is it that you do at The Hutong?

I work with the education department as a program leader, taking both small and large groups of primarily international students on educational travel programs around China. I love exploring new locations on various research trips around the country by car. I also lead the occasional theatrical walking tour through Beijing’s hutong alleys.

What new destinations are you working on this year?

This year, I’m proud to say that we had our very first Hutong program in Shanghai when we took students from the American School in London there for a couple of days of exploration. In addition, I just returned from Shandong where I was scouting Confucius’ hometown of Qufu, as well as the Taoist holy mountain of Taishan for an upcoming fall program. Last but not least, I have to mention Inner Mongolia. Although the destination is not new for me – I’ve done about ten programs up there with international students – this will be our first year running a sign-up summer travel program, The Vanishing Steppe. Even though I’ve been up to Inner Mongolia many times in the past, it’s exciting to know that I’ll get to go back there in July for this trip because the weather is and scenery is absolutely fabulous. I went last July and loved it.

Where would you most like to develop a program that The Hutong does not currently operate?

Two places: Taiwan and Gansu. Taiwan is great for nature, cycling, and its community. Gansu has an amazing ethnic culture, as well as Silk Road history and the awesome Dunhuang Grottoes.