A U.S. teacher's bond with China

Martin Olson communicates with his students during lunch time at Nanjing Zhiyuan Foreign Language Primary School in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 8, 2026. Martin Olson, 34, is a U.S. teacher at Nanjing Zhiyuan Foreign Language Primary School in Nanjing. His vivid expressions and exaggerated movements fill the classroom with clear laughter. Whenever the children successfully complete the spelling, Olson tacitly gives them a high-five.

Olson has lived in China for 11 years, nine of which have been spent in Nanjing. In class, Olson not only takes children to learn English with nursery rhymes and situational games, but also shares some American stories. In turn, the children will enthusiastically teach him to speak authentic Chinese and discuss traditional customs.

Olson's connection with China began with Chinese language courses during his college years. Over the years, he has persevered in learning and understanding Chinese. In his spare time, he enjoys strolling through Nanjing's streets and alleys.

Olson plans to travel to more Chinese cities in the future. "Living in China is very enjoyable. The smiles of the children fill me with joy," Olson said. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Martin Olson (1st R) greets his students during a break at Nanjing Zhiyuan Foreign Language Primary School in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 26, 2026.(Xinhua/Li Bo)

Martin Olson (2nd L) makes zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) with his students at Nanjing Zhiyuan Foreign Language Primary School in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 8, 2026. (Photo by Ji Yushi/Xinhua)

Martin Olson interacts with a student in a class at Nanjing Zhiyuan Foreign Language Primary School in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Martin Olson teaches English in a class at Nanjing Zhiyuan Foreign Language Primary School in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Martin Olson reads a Chinese book at the library of Nanjing Zhiyuan Foreign Language Primary School in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Martin Olson poses for a photo at Nanjing Zhiyuan Foreign Language Primary School in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Martin Olson strolls for leisure at the Mochou Lake Park in Jianye District of Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 8, 2026. (Photo by Ji Yushi/Xinhua)

Martin Olson (R) gives a student a high-five in a class at Nanjing Zhiyuan Foreign Language Primary School in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Martin Olson (C) writes calligraphy together with his students at Nanjing Zhiyuan Foreign Language Primary School in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Martin Olson invites a student for an English situational game in a class at Nanjing Zhiyuan Foreign Language Primary School in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Martin Olson (C) greets his students at Nanjing Zhiyuan Foreign Language Primary School in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Martin Olson (2nd R) writes calligraphy together with his students at Nanjing Zhiyuan Foreign Language Primary School in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Bo)