By Julie Zhao
Why Learning Chinese Opens More Doors Than You Might Think
When I left my hometown of Dali — a beautiful mountain city in southwest China — I never imagined that my journey would take me across continents: first to Dalian for university, then to London for my master’s degree, and finally to Maastricht in the Netherlands. Each city shaped my perspective and gave me new experiences, but one thing has always stayed the same: the power of language to connect people.
The world is vast. Language is the key, and culture is the map.
Curious how language can open new doors for you?
Why More and More People Are Learning Chinese
Before moving to the Netherlands, I worked in international education in China. Over the years, I’ve met thousands of students from more than a hundred different countries who came to learn Chinese or pursue a degree. During my travels, I’ve even visited some of them and seen how learning Chinese has shaped their lives and careers.
Their growth inspires me — because learning a language is never just about grammar or vocabulary. It’s an investment in connection, personal growth, and future opportunities.
The Benefits of learning Chinese
Chinese is the most spoken language in the world, with over a billion native speakers. But beyond the numbers, learning Chinese opens doors to:
✔️ Rich cultural experiences
✔️ International friendships
✔️ New career opportunities
In cities like Rotterdam and Maastricht, more and more people are discovering that learning Chinese in the Netherlands is not only practical, but also deeply inspiring.
Want to discover what learning Chinese could mean for you?
Learning Chinese with Meaning
At the Confucius Institute in Maastricht, I see every day how learning Chinese transforms lives. Students come with different motivations — travel, work, or simple curiosity — but they all leave with more than just new words. They gain a deeper appreciation for a culture rooted in history, connection, and creativity.
Chinese characters are an art form in themselves. They represent words and ideas, often with a visual origin.
- The character for “mountain” (山) looks like three peaks.
- “Water” (水) flows with elegant strokes.
This visual logic makes learning Chinese not only educational, but also a joyful way to see the world from a new perspective.
Want to explore the meaning behind Chinese characters?
Culture and Perspective
Learning Chinese is about more than just language — it’s a meeting of cultures. Dutch students often bring directness and openness to the classroom, while Chinese traditions are more subtle and polite.
These contrasts spark meaningful conversations, mutual understanding, and growth on both sides. A Chinese class becomes a space where cultures truly connect and strengthen each other.
Start learning Chinese today!
Whether you’re in Rotterdam, Maastricht, or anywhere else in the Netherlands — if you’ve ever thought about learning Chinese, do it!
Learning Chinese in Rotterdam or learning Chinese in Maastricht not only gives you new language skills, but also a deeper understanding of culture and connection. It’s more fun, more meaningful, and more rewarding than you might think.