Becoming Chinese: How a Dutch Teacher Developed a “Chinese Stomach”

 

Madelief is a foreign teacher from the Netherlands. She has lived and worked in Yichang for ten years. 

A fan of Chinese culture, she earned a UK master’s degree in comparative Chinese literature. Inspired by the story of Wang Zhaojun, one of China’s Four Great Beauties, she chose the Chinese name “Zhaojun.” 

Madelief came to Yichang to teach in 2016, planning to stay for just one year. Drawn by the city’s landscape and its warm community, she ultimately settled down and started a family here. Over the past decade, she has taught nearly 10,000 local children. 

“Their spoken English keeps improving, and parents value education immensely. They hope their children can see the world through language — a reflection of China’s openness and inclusiveness.” Zhaojun said. 

This Spring Festival marks Madelief’s tenth in Yichang. Her husband and mother‑in‑law have already prepared an array of her favorite Chinese dishes, such as cured pork and sausages.  

“I’ve developed a ‘Chinese stomach’. My mother‑in‑law always remembers what I like to eat and treats me as if I were her own daughter.” Speaking of her family, Madelief’s eyes filled with warmth.