On November 29, Luo Ouhan (Chinese Name), an Indian student, emotionally recited Joy of the Snowflake, a poem by the famous Chinese poet, Xu Zhimo, during a competition of Reading Chinese Poems for International Students held by Jilin International Studies University (JISU). When he was asked about the reason of choosing this poem, Luo answered in fluent Chinese, “It demonstrates the poet’s life attitude of seeking freedom and his admiration for romantic love.”

24-year-old Luo Ouhan, from Kolkata, India, is now in pursuit of a Master’s Degree of International Business at JISU. Luo, strongly driven by a curiosity about Chinese culture, decided to do further study in China. He said, “When gaining a Bachelor’s Degree, in the presence of my friends who were busy looking for jobs, I truly wanted to achieve my hidden dream to go to China to study, as I had been learning Chinese since freshmen year.” He added, “The decision was not made overnight. I came here because I like Chinese culture and I trust the instruction quality here. It is a fact that JISU is blessed with responsible instructors and a fine academic environment for overseas students. I want to learn about Chinese culture here, and I do hope to meet more new friends and experience a different life, so I can be a more endurable person in this new environment.”

Endowed with a natural ability toward language comprehension, Luo has mastered several languages, namely, Chinese, English, Bengali, Nepali, and Hindi. Nevertheless, he encountered many challenges when pursuing his Master’s Degree of International Business at JISU. He explained, “Since I had never come into contact with this major and have never been in a Chinese immersive classroom environment, this situation is truly demanding and it is difficult to make progress in face of certain professional vocabulary” Soon after, he actively expressed his troubles and difficulties to his tutors who immediately offered relevant materials to him and slowed their instructing speed. “All of the efforts by the instructors here make me feel very touched. It orients me to diligently forge ahead whenever I confront any obstacles!” Luo said firmly.

Thanks to teachers’ care and support, Luo Ouhan shows greater interest in studying. He spends most of his spare time in the library. He said, “Time for studying is precious and limited on campus, I am always willing to seek goals and tasks and overcome new challenges to come closer to my dream.”

In addition to learning, the colorful cultural activities on campus became a new stage for Luo Ouhan. When he first entered the school in September 2018, Luo Ouhan became the host of the Teacher’s Day celebration party. “I have been learning Chinese for four years, and it is the first time for me to host a party in Chinese. It was really interesting,” Luo Ouhan said excitedly.

Voluntary service is a brand of campus culture at JISU. Coincidentally, Luo Ouhan takes to it. During the National Day holiday, he voluntarily took part in the foreign cultural activity titled “Little Diplomats Living in the Global Village” which was held in the Global Village at JISU. In the Arabic Village, he introduced languages and cultural features of Arabic-speaking countries for 220 pupils in Changchun. “When I studied in India, I often went to the local schools for voluntary teaching. I like Chinese kids. They are cute, brave and naive. I really want to help them know more about other countries’ culture and broaden their horizons.” Luo Ouhan said, “This activity also lets me renew my feelings about Chinese culture and Indian culture. There are indeed some similarities between them in diet, culture and festivals. Interaction and integration between cultures in the world is a theme that will never change with the times.

Luo Ouhan joined the “GREEN EYES” environmental protection association at JISU. On November 8th, Luo Ouhan and 45 other Chinese and foreign teachers visited the Siberian Tiger Park in Changchun and hung slogans about ecological environmental preservation and wooden nests for birds on the trunks on the both sides of the walkway. “Environmental protection is an issue of common concern for people around the world. Just like the community with a shared future for mankind proposed by Chinese President Xi; although we come from different countries, we live in the same planet. I hope we can work hand in hand to make the earth more beautiful to live in.”

He says that his biggest wish is to stay and develop in China. “I will continue to pursue my dreams. I want to witness the growth of China and progress with China!”

Luo Ouhan hanging slogans on the tree 

Luo Ouhan having a cordial talk with a pupil

Luo Ouhan (the first from the right) hosting the Teachers’ Day celebration Party

Luo Ouhan talking with the professor about professional knowledge of International Business

Luo Ouhan reciting poems