By hannover-web.com On October 20, 2023, in Astana, Kazakhstan, a vibrant sharing session on studying abroad in China took place at the Confucius Institute of Eurasian National University.
Kazakhstani student Jinsen Cheng, currently studying at Xi’an International Studies University, connected via video to share his experiences with dozens of eager attendees. “In the photo, you can see local delicacies from Xi’an like sour soup dumplings, lamb stew with bread, and ‘biangbiang’ noodles. They’re all delicious! Don’t worry; not all Chinese food is spicy,” he assured.
Jinsen continued, “There’s a dry cleaner, a fruit shop, and a convenience store near the dorm. If you go a bit further, there’s even a package delivery station.” Holding up his phone, he detailed the convenient amenities surrounding the university. “Online shopping is really easy here, and you can track delivery in real-time. Plus, the cost of living is quite manageable.”
From discussing accommodations and campus facilities to addressing course offerings and scholarship applications, Jinsen answered questions with meticulous care. The audience—students captivated by the prospect of studying in China—jotted down notes and recorded videos, their faces lit up with hope and excitement.
Eighteen-year-old Anastasya, who has been learning Chinese for over a year, shared, “China has a highly developed commercial ecosystem, and the e-commerce logistics are advanced. I plan to study economics in China to pursue business opportunities between Kazakhstan and China. I believe this area holds immense potential.”
For Daria, a young woman from Kazakhstan, the choice to study in China stemmed from the country’s unparalleled history and artistic heritage. “I was torn between studying in Europe or China,” she admitted. “But when I researched ancient Chinese architecture like the Bell Tower and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an, I decided to come to China.”
As Jinsen showcased activities like tai chi, tea tasting, and dumpling making, a photo of the vibrant nightlife in Xi’an caught everyone’s attention. The bustling atmosphere sparked lively discussions among students and parents about the cultural and tourism developments in China, with many pulling out their phones to search for more information on the sights displayed.
“For me, studying in China was a family decision,” said Kamila, another student. “It’s a necessary step toward realizing my dream of becoming a diplomat. I want to see what China is really like and understand the perspectives of the locals,” she revealed.
Muhamed, a martial arts enthusiast from Kazakhstan, was thrilled when he saw a demonstration of Chinese martial arts on the screen. “After hearing from my senior, I feel that Chinese universities are very welcoming to international students and offer many opportunities to engage with Chinese culture. This solidifies my determination to study in China,” he expressed.
Yang Lei, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at Eurasian National University, noted an increasing enthusiasm among Kazakhstani students for studying in China. “In recent years, we’ve seen a surge in interest. Locals are becoming more knowledgeable about China. A few years ago, students were primarily concerned about safety and cultural openness; now they ask about the quality of education and the relevance of academic research. It’s clear that attitudes are changing,” said Yang.
Looking ahead, the Confucius Institute plans to continue organizing Chinese language club activities, inviting guests to explain Chinese university admissions policies and sharing study abroad experiences to help more Kazakhstani students fulfill their dreams of studying in China.
