Editor's Note:

The island-wide special customs operation of the Hainan Free Trade Port is not only a crucial step in policy advancement but also a new voyage towards the world. As the tides of the times surge, the Hainan FTP is attracting young talents from across the globe. They dedicate themselves to various industries, weaving their personal dreams into the open blueprint of this vibrant land. The "Decoding the Hainan FTP: Chasing Dreams" series captures the stories of these dynamic individuals—their choices, struggles, and achievements all serving as a vivid testament to Hainan's vitality and opportunities.

Here, behind every step they take towards realizing their dreams lies a future that the world will embrace.

Last September, Erwin Schreurs from the Netherlands arrived in Hainan with a special idea: to launch an English education program that brings language lessons into the great outdoors.

This decision was not made on a whim. Before settling down in Hainan, Erwin and his wife visited Hainan four or five times on holiday to determine whether it was really the right place to launch their entrepreneurial venture. Luckily, Hainan’s tropical environs, pleasant climate, and unique culture convinced him that it was the perfect place for outdoor classrooms. He also experienced Hainan's openness and its welcoming attitude toward foreign entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurship is never easy. When Erwin started his business last September, everything began from scratch. By October, as more activities were organized, an increasing number of parents became willing to try this kind of fresh English education, and his business began to grow rapidly. "It’s a snowball effect," he said.

"For me, the most important thing was to get kids out of the classroom and into nature and to teach them English in a much more fun way. They can keep that interest and keep learning English or any other language," Erwin explained. At present, as he takes children to parks, beaches, and villages, English is no longer just a set of vocabulary lists to memorize passively—it becomes a tool acquired naturally through exploration. As a result, the children become livelier and more proactive in communicating in English. Every time they interact with him or with nature, Erwin sees the smiles and curiosity on their faces. "Almost every day has been fulfilling," he marveled.

Looking to the future, Erwin has a clear long-term goal: to cultivate a group of young "Hainan Ambassadors"—children who deeply understand the island’s natural environment and culture and can promote it on the international stage in English. In the short term, he will continue doing what he is doing now, attracting more people to know and join them.

Thanks to his efforts, a story about curiosity, nature, and educational dreams is gradually unfolding in the Hainan Free Trade Port.

This series is funded by the China Internet Development Foundation (CIDF) and co-producted by Hinews and Hainan International Media Center.