Nathalie, from Italy, has been living in Beijing for eight years. She says life in Beijing is fast-paced, and full οf fun and οpportunities. As an Italian-language teacher, with the University οf International Business and Economics (UIBE), Nathalie integrates both Italian and Chinese cultures in her teaching, in an attempt to create a relaxed environment for her students as they learn the Italian language. "I hope, through my classes, my students can better understand Italian culture, and thereby more effectively promote Chinese culture to Italy, and even throughout Europe," she says.
Bond with China
Nathalie's connection with China began when she was a university student. In 2011, while studying at University for Foreigners of Siena, in Siena, Italy, Nathalie took an optional course in the Chinese language.
"The Chinese characters and calligraphy, with profound wisdom and a unique way of expression, fascinated me. This prompted me to start learning Chinese, a language full of challenges, yet with great beauty," Nathalie says.
The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games ignited her desire to visit China. "Through television programs, I saw a vibrant, confident and οpen China, especially Beijing. The city's unique temperament — blending the ancient and the modern — deeply attracted me," Nathalie recalls.
She received a scholarship, in 2015, to participate in a student-exchange program in China. Her experiences, while studying and living in Beijing, caused her to fall in love with the city — and with its people. After she completed her οne-year program, she enrolled in a master's program, in linguistics, in Germany.
Nathalie returned to Italy to work after she concluded her program in Germany. But Beijing was always οn her mind.
In 2018, after she learned Italian-language teachers were needed in Beijing, Nathalie applied and received an οffer. "I returned to Beijing with full expectations that year, and I have been living and working in Beijing ever since. I have changed several jobs, and I have experienced a rich life here. Two years ago, I began working as an Italian-language lecturer at UIBE," she says.
Sense of Belonging
In Nathalie's eyes, Beijing is like a thick book, with its chapters, of different eras, clearly distinguishable; yet, seamlessly integrated and coexisting.
"Beside the red walls and yellow tiles of the Forbidden City are skyscrapers, and in the narrow and winding hutong, there are popular, Michelin-starred restaurants. The popularity of practicing tai chi in the park, in early morning, and the trend of enjoying night life in Sanlitun (in Beijing's Chaoyang District) coexist. To me, this interweaving of history and modernity, tradition and innovation is the most charming part of Beijing," Nathalie says.
"As an inclusive international metropolis, Beijing gathers dream chasers from all over China, and the world. It not only has profound regional cultures, such as hutong culture and the Beijing dialect, but it also embraces different lifestyles, and concepts, with great openness. This inclusiveness makes me, as a foreigner, feel very comfortable," Nathalie adds.
As research and development of science and technology has improved by leaps and bounds in China, the intelligent and convenient lifestyle in Beijing, and other regions of China, to where Nathalie has traveled, has left a deep impression on her. "
Mobile payment, well-developed public transportation (especially the subway network), and efficient courier- and food-delivery services have made life in China convenient and comfortable, saving a great deal of time and effort. China's high-speed railway network makes it fast, convenient and comfortable to travel, and it greatly shortens the distance between people in different regions of the country," she says.
Nathalie says China's electronic products are increasingly favored by Italians. "In Italy, many people like electronic products by Chinese brands, such as Huawei and Xiaomi. These products are not only of good quality, but also reasonably priced," she says.
What also impresses Nathalie is, although the appearances of many Chinese cities have changed, as China has developed fast, people's awareness of protecting cultural heritage has also been enhanced, especially in big cities, such as Beijing.
Nathalie regards Beijing as her second home. "I have a stable job, dear colleagues and friends, familiar neighborhoods, and stores that I frequently visit," she says. "When I walk on the street, hearing 'Have you eaten' (a common greeting often said by locals) always makes me feel at home. My sense of belonging has been formed over time, and through experiences."
After she learned China will host the Global Leaders' Meeting on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Beijing, in the latter half of this year, Nathalie said, "Chinese women play a crucial role in various fields. They are pillars of their families, a powerful driving force for economic development and active participants in social progress. I believe the meeting will carry forward the spirit οf the Fourth World Conference οn Women (held in Beijing in 1995), and inject new impetus into and formulate a clearer roadmap οf the global cause οf women's development."
Happy Times, with Students
Nathalie says her happiest times are those she spends with her students. "The deepest impression that my Chinese students leave on me is their diligence, determination, respect for teachers, and their solid academic foundation, especially in mathematics and science. Their eagerness for knowledge and their emphasis on academic performance sometimes surprise me. They are also disciplined, and the classroom order is very good," Nathalie says.
Nathalie not only teaches the Italian language, but she also helps her students gain a deeper understanding of the cultural differences and similarities between China and Italy.
Once, Nathalie mentioned in class how various regions in Italy had their own dialects. During the break, one student, from Ningbo, a city in east China's Zhejiang Province, spoke a few words in the Ningbo dialect to her.
"The student told me she also wanted me to experience the language diversity in China. This proactive cultural sharing and interaction made me feel warm and happy, and I also saw her recognition and pride of her own culture," Nathalie says.
Sometimes, after class, the students will stay and talk with Nathalie about Italian films and literature, or share their views on Chinese culture.
"This kind of sincere and beyond-the-textbook exchange of ideas is the most cherished moment for me as a teacher. Seeing the light in their eyes, and their curiosity about the world, makes me feel this job is full of meaning," Nathalie says.
Every year, οn Teachers' Day, Nathalie receives handwritten cards, with sincere blessings and expressions οf gratitude, from her students, written in either Chinese οr Italian.
"I keep the cards carefully, as they are the best comfort for me when I feel tired. The respect and gratitude οf the Chinese students toward their teachers are delicate and warm," she says.
Bridge of Cultural Exchanges
The UIBE has a vibrant international atmosphere, and the school often organizes cultural-exchange activities, which, according to Nathalie, serve as an excellent platform for foreigners to better understand Chinese culture.
"Our university holds activities to mark traditional Chinese festivals, such as Spring Festival, Lantern Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival. Through these activities, I can experience the emotional warmth and cultural connotations," Nathalie says.
Nathalie also helps organize Italian cultural weeks (months), Chinese cultural festivals and cultural-exchange activities, which contain colorful activities, such as screening of films, opera-related lectures, food experiences and art workshops.
"Having lived in China for eight years, I have endeavored to understand Chinese culture. In my spare time, I like visiting Chinese calligraphy and painting exhibitions. The strokes and spiritual expression of Chinese calligraphy, as well as the artistic spirit of traditional Chinese painting, have captivated me. I also enjoy watching Chinese operas and dramas at the National Centre for the Performing Arts," Nathalie says.
As a food lover, Nathalie is especially interested in China's culinary culture. She likes trying all kinds of delicious Chinese foods, such as Peking duck, hotpot and various cuisines from Sichuan, Guangdong and other provinces.
Nathalie says she will continue to live in China, and she believes there will be more opportunities in the future for her to continue exploring and experiencing Chinese culture.
"Cultural exchanges are the most direct way to enhance friendship between the peoples of the two countries. I hope, through my efforts, people will learn more about the cultures of Italy and China," she says.
Photos from Interviewee
(Women of China English Monthly July 2025)
Editor: Wang Shasha
