From foreign land to my home: A German teacher's 14 years in Ningbo

Bene Hoffmann, a German teacher at Ningbo Foreign Affairs School, has been living in Ningbo for 14 years. He first came to the city in 2011 to teach at Ningbo No 3 High School. He found great fulfillment in teaching German and guiding students on their paths to universities in Germany.

After becoming a father, Hoffmann sought a new environment and later joined Ningbo Foreign Affairs School. There, he made many new friends and often enjoys playing soccer and badminton with fellow teachers. To his students, he is more like a friend than a traditional teacher, as his classes are known for their relaxed atmosphere compared with the pressure of other subjects.

Hoffmann sees Ningbo as a fast-changing and modern city. Over the past decade, he has witnessed the renovation or reconstruction of many buildings. "Ningbo feels like home to me now," he said. "When I go back to Germany, it almost feels like I'm on vacation."