Meet this year’s World of Work interns from Western Academy of Beijing (WAB). Every year, instead of going to school, WAB students spend five days experiencing what it’s like to work in the real world. This week, we’ll meet the seven kids spending the week at True Run Media. #WorldofWork
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Matteo Grazzini doesn’t remember life before China. Born in Italy but raised entirely in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing, the 16-year-old WAB student is the quintessential ‘third culture kid’, and his journey mirrors what many expat families experience. Now, as he prepares to ‘return’ to a homeland he’s never truly known, he reflects on Beijing’s role in shaping him: through football, fleeting friendships, and the unique stability of a life in motion.
Tell me about your background and where you’ve lived.
Matteo: I’ve lived in China for about 13 years, since I was 3 years old. My earliest memories start in Hong Kong, then we moved to Shanghai when I was 5 — though I don’t remember much from that time. After two years there, we went back to Hong Kong where I spent four years and completed most of elementary school.
What was your experience like in Hong Kong?
Matteo: I didn’t have many close friends in Hong Kong, but I did stand out academically as the smartest in my class. When we moved to Beijing when I was 8, that’s really when I started developing my own identity beyond just being the smart kid.
What has school been like for you in Beijing?
Matteo: Between the ages of 8 and 12, I really started exploring my interests. I watched tons of YouTube and discovered my passion for English class, mainly because of my teacher. We had this tiny YouTube channel with about 20 followers – which seemed huge to us back then! He’d shout out our class after good lessons, which made learning feel special and fun.
Can you tell me about your football journey?
Matteo: Football is my passion – it’s how I relieve stress and express myself. I’ve been playing since I was 5 years old, spending countless hours training and improving my skills. The pitch is where I feel most at home, no matter what country I’m in.
How has your social life evolved since attending WAB?
Matteo: At WAB, I made new friends quickly, especially with students who arrived the same year I did. But just like my previous school, I’ve had to say goodbye to people as they move away. Still, this past year has been amazing for my growth – I’ve pushed myself out of my comfort zone and made memories I’ll never forget.
What are your concerns about going back to your country?
Matteo: It’s a weird mix of feelings, honestly. Having lived abroad my whole life, going ‘home’ to Italy feels both exciting and nerve-wracking. I’m especially pumped about the football opportunities there – that’s what keeps me most excited about the move.
What will you miss most about Beijing?
Matteo: Definitely my friends. We’ve built this incredible bond – they’ve influenced me in so many ways. We’ve spent countless hours together, always supporting each other. It breaks my heart knowing I won’t get to see them every day anymore. Beijing isn’t just a city to me – it’s where I grew up and became who I am.
Images: Matteo Grazzini
