In 2015, Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) welcomed a German expert Michael Schmittbetz to its faculty. As a veteran journalist from Germany turned language educator at a Chinese university, Schmittbetz's journey reflects a commitment to fostering cultural exchange and international communication. He is dedicated to leveraging educators' crucial role in promoting a more connected and understanding world.

　　Schmittbetz began his journalism career and dedicated years to a German television station. With his increasing passion for history, philosophy and sociology, he started to teach these subjects to international students in Germany, which eventually led him to leave his homeland to explore the diversity of the world. In Xi'an, a famous cultural hub in western China, he found an opportunity to teach a range of compelling subjects, including history, German literature, linguistics and writing.

　　Reflecting on his teaching approach, Schmittbetz emphasized the importance of "lively communication." He criticized the fear of making mistakes prevalent among Chinese students, advocating for a more interactive and accepting learning environment. He said that overcoming unnecessary shyness is crucial to motivating students to speak and communicate effectively.

　　From his perspective, the most rewarding aspect of his career lies in his students' reactions. "I am not a teacher who stands behind the teacher's desk. We find our forms of communication together in the classroom," said Schmittbetz in a recent interview with Science and Technology Daily, adding that the reward for him is "when students do not just translate words and sentences but understand thoughts and develop their thoughts."

　　In our interconnected world, international relations are becoming increasingly complex, he said, adding that despite the challenges, different countries complement each other, highlighting the role of lively communication in gaining the knowledge needed for global understanding.

　　Nowadays, China has become an increasingly popular destination for people around the world. For foreign experts considering teaching and living in a foreign country like China, Schmittbetz has some salient advice — "keep an open mind." He encouraged embracing cultural differences and remaining true to oneself and emphasized the significance of finding friends and fostering people-to-people connections for a fulfilling experience.

　　Beyond language training, Schmittbetz's German studies classes convey intercultural aspects. He provides his Chinese students with firsthand impressions of a foreign culture. His hope is more Chinese students will have opportunities to visit Germany, fostering mutual understanding and paving the way for a stronger relationship between Germany and China.

　　This article is also contributed by NPU.