French teacher- I fell in love with China at first sight. Chinese people are tolerant, friendly and kind – My memories of China

In an exclusive interview with China News Service, Fleur Chabaille-Wang, a French teacher at Beijing Foreign Studies University, shared her unique connection with China as the country prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary on October 1, 2024.

Chabaille-Wang first fell in love with China when she arrived in 2010. “The Chinese people are incredibly inclusive, friendly, and kind,” she reflected, emphasizing the warm community she has experienced, especially during difficult times. Whenever she faced challenges related to language barriers, her Chinese colleagues were quick to lend a hand with various administrative tasks.

Having called Beijing home since 2017, she expressed her gratitude for the city’s safety and beauty. “There are countless job opportunities, and life here feels harmonious,” she noted. Over the last decade, she has observed China’s rapid economic growth and has been inspired by the dedication of the Chinese people to pursue a better future and chase their dreams—a spirit of perseverance that she genuinely admires.

Chabaille-Wang highlighted the importance of sharing China’s stories with a global audience to promote better understanding. She pointed out that many people in France still hold outdated views of China, often influenced by perceptions from the 1970s. To bridge this gap, she frequently shares her experiences with her French friends, providing an authentic glimpse of contemporary China.

She believes that the distinct cultures of China and France attract and respect one another, creating opportunities for mutual influence. Promoting cultural exchange requires not only language skills but also a deep understanding of each other’s national contexts, political landscapes, economic developments, and cultural nuances.

As an educator, she feels a strong responsibility to cultivate culturally literate and politically aware individuals who can contribute to Franco-Chinese friendship. With this in mind, she designs her courses to encompass rich content covering the politics, society, and educational systems of both countries, encouraging her students to delve into the subtle differences between Chinese and French modes of thought.

With this year marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, Chabaille-Wang passionately hopes for a continued and deepening cultural exchange between the two nations, eager to play a role in a new chapter of their longstanding relationship.