Yunnan University: My Deep Connections with China

Nguyen Phi Long from the School of International Chinese Language Education at Yunnan University. [Photo/WeChat account of School of International Chinese Language Education, Yunnan University]

I spent my childhood and teenage years under the tropical sun in Vietnam. I grew up in a family that loved to learn and my parents always encouraged me to explore the unknown. As I grew older, my curiosity became stronger. I began dreaming about transcending national borders to explore a new world. Yunnan University represents an ocean of knowledge and a bridge of cultural communications. In July 2020, I received an offer from this university. At that moment, I seemed to have seen myself standing in the land of China and learning and communicating with students from all over the world.

In the several months that followed, I began studying online. Though I could only interact with teachers and classmates through a screen, that experience gave me a deeper understanding of China. During online discussions, I learned about the rapid development of China and felt the warmth and friendliness of my Chinese classmates.

In some online courses, I met students from all over China. They demonstrated the diversity of China through the screen. Some of them came from bustling Shanghai, some from ancient Xi'an and some from picturesque Guilin. Their stories seemed to transport me to the mountains and rivers of China and I felt the history and modern vitality of the country. We shared our cultures during discussions. I introduced to them the traditional festivals and customs of Vietnam and they told me about the customs of China's Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival. Such exchanges made me realize that though we come from different countries, we share the same aspirations for a beautiful life and more understanding.

In April 2023, I finally got the chance to board the high-speed rail to China. When the train slowly stopped at Kunming Railway Station, my emotions were indescribable. At that moment, I realized that my dream was finally coming true. I could not wait to be a part of life here, to experience the real Chinese culture and to write my own "stories with China".

Upon arriving at Yunnan University, I was struck by the beautiful scenery of the campus. Ancient buildings and modern facilities, the shady paths and the sound of reading made me fall in love with this place. Here, I met students from all over the world. Though from different cultures, we all wanted to learn and held common aspirations for the future. Yunnan University is not only a place of study, but also a communication platform of diverse cultures. Here, I had the opportunity to participate in different cultural activities and groups. I introduced the traditional dances, music and food of Vietnam to my Chinese classmates. I also took part in a tea art performance organized by my Chinese friends and learned how to make and taste different kinds of Chinese tea. These activities deepened my understanding of Chinese culture and made me realize the importance of cultural exchanges. Through such events, I made lots of friends from different countries and we shared a curiosity and respect for each other's cultures.

In the days that followed, I actively participated in different social practices and cultural exchanges organized by the university. These activities not only expanded my vision, but also deepened my understanding of the society and culture of China. The most unforgettable experience for me was a social practice activity organized by the school. Unlike usual classes, it gave me the opportunity to leave campus, experience rural life in China and witness the changes brought about by China's rural rejuvenation strategy. Our group, consisting both of international students from different countries and Chinese students, embarked on a journey to the remote mountainous region of Yunnan. On the bumpy road, we talked about our different cultural backgrounds and what we thought the trip would be like. As we approached our destination, the bustling urban views were gradually replaced by the serene countryside landscape and I became all the more excited.

Upon arriving, we first visited the local agricultural cooperative. There we learned about how the Chinese government helped farmers increase output and incomes via policy support and technological innovation. We saw many advanced agricultural technologies, such as a drip irrigation system and intelligent greenhouse, which are all part of the rural rejuvenation strategy. The site observation and study provided me with a more direct understanding of the modernization and sustainable development of China's agriculture.

We also visited local farmers. We cooked, talked and even labored with them. During such close interactions, I not only improved my oral Chinese, but also, more importantly, got to know the daily routines of Chinese farmers and their expectations for the future. I was moved by their diligence and optimism and touched by their deep affection and love for the land.

Through this activity, I not only gained a deeper understanding of Chinese history and culture, but also witnessed the results of common development among all Chinese people. I saw the efforts of the Chinese government in promoting social justice and balanced regional development and felt the unremitting pursuit of Chinese people for a better life.

In addition to academic gains, I also had lots of fun living in Yunnan. I tried and enjoyed many different Yunnan foods, such as rice noodles and flower cake. On weekends, I would go to the local market with my friends. The dazzling commodities and enthusiastic vendors there made me realize the liveliness and vitality of Chinese marketplaces.

In my days at Yunnan University, I not only acquired knowledge, but also friendships. My Chinese friends and I celebrated the Spring Festival together and experienced the joy of making dumplings and playing with fireworks. We stayed late in the library to prepare for exams and sweated together in the playground. These beautiful memories will never be forgotten.

With time flying by, my grasp of the Chinese language and culture got deeper. I began writing a diary in Chinese to record what I saw and heard that day. I discovered that writing can help me better express myself and understand Chinese expressions more accurately. My Chinese level is improving and I have begun speaking Chinese on public occasions. One time at an academic seminar, I even used fluent Chinese to deliver my thesis.

I was also challenged while studying and living at Yunnan University. The differences in language, cultural background and living habits once confused and upset me. But I kept on trying. I tried hard to learn Chinese and actively adapted myself to the new living environment. I learned from my Chinese friends and asked them for help when I was confused. They were always ready to help me. During this process, I learned how to face difficulty and adapt to new environments. These experiences made me stronger and more independent.

At Yunnan University, I had the honor of participating in an international student forum. At the forum, I had the chance to communicate with students from all over the world and share my study and life experiences. I also shared with them the culture and traditions of Vietnam. This forum not only broadened my horizons, but also taught me the importance of cultural diversity. I realized that as an international student, I am obligated to promote the culture of my country while respecting and learning from the cultures of other countries.

Looking back on my experiences studying abroad, I understand that the relations between countries are determined by the closeness of their people. It is exactly these ordinary but real communications that build the friendship bridge between China and Vietnam. I believe that, with more communication and cooperation, relations between China and Vietnam will become closer and the friendships between their people stronger.

In the end, I would like to extend my gratitude to Yunnan University for giving me this valuable opportunity to be able to experience Chinese culture and life on my own. Thank you to everyone who has helped and supported me along the journey. I look forward to writing more stories about myself and China in the future.