QINGDAO, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Closer cooperation between China and countries along the Belt and Road has resulted in more young international students discovering the real China, and they want to share their experiences.

Weerawarna Pattiyakumburage Hasini Vidumini (L) experienced the charm of ancient Chinese folk crafts in east China's Shandong Province, Feb 2, 2023. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

Whenever Weerawarna Pattiyakumburage Hasini Vidumini recalls her years studying at China University of Petroleum (UPC) in Shandong Province, east China, she still feels touched by the experience.

“I once went with my Chinese classmate to her hometown in Anqing City in east China’s Anhui Province to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. Her grandmother was so kind that she even called me often after I went back to school,” she said, “it felt like I was her grandchild too.”

The experience alleviated any homesickness. Hasini comes from Sri Lanka, and she thoroughly enjoyed campus life and was elected president of UPC’s International Students Union.

“I really like Chinese culture,” she explained, adding that she appeared in a video about traditional Chinese crafts.

Hasini is one of many international students attracted by Chinese culture.

Olloyorova Malika Makhsudovna’s social media account is bustling with content about Qingdao’s landmark buildings.

Photo taken on June 4, 2023 shows Olloyorova Malika Makhsudovna at the Zhanqiao bridge scenic spot in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

The Qingdao University student from Uzbekistan has witnessed China’s growing economic and cultural changes. She will continue her studies in China for a master’s degree and hopes to explore a career in a China-related field.

“I want to play a constructive role in cultural exchanges between Uzbekistan and China, like a cultural ambassador,” she said.

Shakyet Hossan from Bangladesh, another UPC student, is proud to have mastered the Chinese language.

Shakyet Hossan attended the Student Union Congress of China University of Petroleum in Shandong Province in 2020. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

Grateful for the help from his classmates, he has given his spare time to voluntary pursuits and has organized various activities to enrich students’ campus life.

“I like China. I told people in Bangladesh what I saw and heard in China,” he said, “I will continue to share the story of China and share my experience of the authentic and beautiful China with the world.”

In the coming years, he plans to pursue postgraduate studies in China or find a job in a Fortune Global 500 company promoting trade between Bangladesh and China.

Xinhua News（2023年5月4日）

相关链接：Xinhua News： from BRI countries studying in China“dream big”