 | TRENDING 2026: Learning Mandarin. |
We have tapped into the potential of expat communities for many years.
Now they're taking off in a way we would never have thought possible and for this we have to thank, yet again, Donald Trump. The 47th president of the United States has his truly unique style of convincing the world that it is time to rethink priorities.
His second term in office and, even more so, his actions in the Middle East, let more and more families in the West decide to do the wise thing: Let the kids learn Mandarin.
Smart youngsters are keen to understand the radical changes in our world order and get ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead. They understand: China's role in a post-Trump world will be stronger than ever before.
Students in Asia have known this for some time.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, has significantly boosted interest in learning Mandarin across all of Central Asia. The Trump administration is now, albeit not deliberately, instrumental in convincing young folks in the West to look east too with eager curiosity and an open mind.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, has significantly boosted interest in learning Mandarin across all of Central Asia. The Trump administration is now, albeit not deliberately, instrumental in convincing young folks in the West to look east too with eager curiosity and an open mind.
Business and academia
Until 2024 this trend was primarily driven by economic considerations.
The Trump era has shifted the focus to the academic world.
Gone are the days when the ambition of studying abroad meant hoping to secure
a place (and a grant) at an American Ivy League university by default.
The Trump era has shifted the focus to the academic world.
Gone are the days when the ambition of studying abroad meant hoping to secure
a place (and a grant) at an American Ivy League university by default.
Young Global Natives in Europe, in Africa and in the Americas are widening their horizons with great curiosity for the entire Asian world, they're keen to establish contacts with peers in all of Asia, from Jordan to Japan, from the Barents Sea all the way to Bali, from Tashkent's Fairy Tales from 1001 nights to Indonesia's 1000 islands.
However, top of the list is (and has been for some time) China.
However, top of the list is (and has been for some time) China.
China is everywhere. And ready to talk.
The Global Natives Power Trend 2026: Getting to know China.
Families world wide are interested in becoming more familiar with Chinese peers, in learning about culture and mentality, in getting acquainted with the Chinese way of life - face to face, not just through documentaries and school books. In the majority of cases, their kids are still way too young to spend months or a year abroad (3 to 16 years of age).
But they're never too young to connect with families in the Chinese diaspora.
And they do.
Families world wide are interested in becoming more familiar with Chinese peers, in learning about culture and mentality, in getting acquainted with the Chinese way of life - face to face, not just through documentaries and school books. In the majority of cases, their kids are still way too young to spend months or a year abroad (3 to 16 years of age).
But they're never too young to connect with families in the Chinese diaspora.
And they do.
The Chinese diaspora has changed.
The new generation is open minded and curious.
Official sources estimate the "Overseas Chinese Community" at approx. 60 million people.
An estimated 5.5 million live in the US, another 1.7 in Canada and 1.4 in Australia.
In Europe, the Chinese diaspora currently counts approx. 1.7 million people.
An estimated 5.5 million live in the US, another 1.7 in Canada and 1.4 in Australia.
In Europe, the Chinese diaspora currently counts approx. 1.7 million people.
What matters much more than numbers? Attitude.
Long gone are the days when folks in China Town would only mingle amongst themselves.
We have approached expat families on all continents for many years now.
They've become more open minded, more keen too communicate and connect,
more interested to learn other languages and discover new mindsets.
And they are ready for business, for academic exchange and for friendship.
Long gone are the days when folks in China Town would only mingle amongst themselves.
We have approached expat families on all continents for many years now.
They've become more open minded, more keen too communicate and connect,
more interested to learn other languages and discover new mindsets.
And they are ready for business, for academic exchange and for friendship.
Chinese families have been cooperative and ready to pass on the word within their communities. This is particularly helpful now, as the demand for Chinese famillage members is literally exploding. What can they contribute? Dialogue with local Chinese families allows children to become familiar with each other's lifestyles, food and music, family structures and interaction between generations, customs and of course language.
Off to a good start: Profound experience with famillage-life is helpful.
Families in search of Chinese partners can build on their experience. Their children speak at least one additional language, usually two or more (albeit not necessarily all of them fluently). They are accustomed to adaptive thinking, a flexible use of language and an open minded approach to new things and ideas.
Families in search of Chinese partners can build on their experience. Their children speak at least one additional language, usually two or more (albeit not necessarily all of them fluently). They are accustomed to adaptive thinking, a flexible use of language and an open minded approach to new things and ideas.
Building mutual trust and familiarity
A recent survey shows:
Nine out of ten families currently in a partnership with a Chinese speaking family are planning to establish an exchange with a family in China with the help and mediation of their expat partners. Their children will spend time in the country, many aim to study there; they will come prepared and with good basic knowledge of the language.
Nine out of ten families currently in a partnership with a Chinese speaking family are planning to establish an exchange with a family in China with the help and mediation of their expat partners. Their children will spend time in the country, many aim to study there; they will come prepared and with good basic knowledge of the language.
