Uzonbaikyzy Salamat giving a lecture to international students

Uzonbaikyzy Salamat, an international scholarship student from Kyrgyzstan, is a Master of Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (MTCSOL) in Jilin Huaqiao University of Foreign Language (HQUFL). She said, “When applying for the university to study, I chose HQUFL, not only due to the recommendation of my undergraduate teacher, but also due to my appreciation of this university through acquaintance. HQUFL is an environment-based educational university, linking China and the rest of world.” Salamat，like many international students in China, wants to learn Chinese, understand China’s long-standing traditional culture, and experience real Chinese life.

Initially, Salamat had to leave HQUFL after a month due to struggles with the language barrier as well as differences in diet and customs. After returning home, she thought about her high expectations when she decided to study in China. If she gave up such a good learning opportunity because of cultural difficulties, she would regret it in the future. Because of this, she chose to go back to HQUFL. Having decided to continue pursuing what she loved, Salamat restarted her academic study with determination and the support of her family members.

During her study, she noticed a lot of differences between HQUFL and the university she graduated from in Kyrgyzstan. In Kyrgyzstan, she is required to independently complete all the tasks. In contrast, she feels a warm sense of companionship and acceptance in HQUFL because of the considerate and friendly classmates and teachers.

When it comes to learning, Salamat considers attitude as the most important factor. “When a person is eager to learn more, she can understand new things and learn thoroughly no matter how difficult it is.” This idea has inspired her to study Chinese hard. “Salamat is very optimistic and friendly, with a big smile on her face”, said her classmates.

Salamat loves a lot of sports, including running, badminton, tennis and boxing. She agrees with the saying that “life lies in motion”. Although there is very little spare time, she still tries to find time to do physical exercise.

Besides sports, Salamat also likes Chinese customs and cultural activities. She said, “Chinese people have accumulated a splendid culture. I am fond of Chinese Taiji fans, paper cutting and calligraphy. I like Chinese traditional festivals, which make me feel like the happiest person in the world when I celebrate them with my family and friends.

Salamat is very glad that she chose to attend HQUFL. She has experienced the charm and glory of China through HQUFL’s quality education to international students.

However, in such a foreign country, Salamat often misses her parents. Nevertheless, her frequent video chats with her family have eased her nostalgia. Moreover, she found comfort from her companions here by narrating stories and tasting new foods… She was greatly touched by the help of her classmates and teachers in HQUFL, who have warmed her like a ray of sunshine in winter.

Over the past 23 years, HQUFL has achieved great development and presented itself as a first-class private university in China and abroad. Salamat regards HQUFL as a valuable source of encouragement. Now, she is concentrating on learning and planning her future. She said, “I really hope to be an interpreter for national leaders. I am bound to fearlessly go ahead. I appreciate HQUFL for helping me gain courage to deal with a variety of difficulties and challenges in life. I definitely think that HQUFL has a promising future!”