Italian teacher Valeria Pannozzo fosters cultural exchange at Qingdao art high school

Valeria Pannozzo, an Italian language teacher, works at the artistic high school No. 6 in Qingdao, China, where she teaches complex aspects of Italian grammar such as the subjunctive. Her connection with China began in 2014 when she traveled to Beijing to study Chinese culture; nine years later she joined the Qingdao school.

The school maintains partnerships with major Italian art academies, allowing many graduates to continue their studies in Italy. One senior student, Huang Liyin, is preparing a portfolio to apply for a scenography program at Rome’s Academy of Fine Arts, spending weeks building a miniature set. She said, “Rarely did I get it right on the first try, but each correction helped me understand scenography better and gave me confidence for my future.”

Pannozzo emphasizes that teaching Italian is a way to open students to different worldviews and to promote dialogue between cultures. She notes that Italy can share its experience in preserving cultural and artistic heritage, while China offers examples of large‑scale organization and technological development. Beyond the classroom, she is involved in cultural and artistic exchange projects between Italy and China.