Foreigners share their 'China story'

Vietnamese Do Dieu Linh enjoys a good life on campus in Xi'an. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Do Dieu Linh from Hanoi in Vietnam and Hue Lee from Bokeo province in Laos, are postgraduates at Xi'an Jiaotong University, who have both been relishing their new lives in China.

Like increasing numbers of overseas students coming to study in China, Linh and Lee had to adapt to a few new things when they first arrived to study in 2016. Both say that experiencing Chinese culture was the main attraction for them to come to China.

As an undergraduate student back in Vietnam, Linh taught Chinese students Vietnamese. "My Chinese friends told me a lot about Chinese culture which really made me interested in coming to study in China," she says.

As for Lee, he has long been a fan of Chinese kung fu. "I watched the movies of Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Actually, Chinese kung fu is the reason why I chose to study here," Lee says.

While studying in China, they have had the chance to travel and see some of the country's wonders, such as the Terracotta Warriors and Huashan Mountain.

"China is such a vast country. There are so many cities I have never even set foot in. Both Beijing and Xi'an are cities with a long history. I have plans to visit Beijing," says Lee.

However, it's not all been holidays and plain sailing. At first, they found it difficult to get used to Xi'an's climate, which is considerably colder than their home countries. Food was another issue.

As with anyone who moves to a new country, the first few weeks can be the toughest, prompting many to consider returning home. Those who stick it out, however, are often rewarded.

Linh was lucky, finding comfort and help from her teachers and classmates at Xi'an Jiaotong University.

"The Chinese teachers have shown a lot of concern for us foreign students. They often contacted me and asked me if I had any difficulties," says Linh.

"We have become good friends. They even invited me and my classmates to their homes. My Chinese was poor, but my classmates were tolerant and helped me out a lot."