China has seen great improvement recent years. Yannick, an international student from The Republic of Burundi, was fully impressed by those changes around him. Having studied seven years in Tianjin University, Yannick has witnessed the rapid progress of the city and the campus. Recently he shared his experiences with our journalists.

“What impressed me most is the beautiful new campus of Tianjin University,” Yannick said, “and there are more and more international students in the university every year, which means that it is gaining more and more fame.” He was awarded his bachelor’s degree in architecture by the university, and now he is here for further study. Talking about his major, he got very proud. “I know the school of architecture is also very famous in the country, so it should be a good choice to major in architecture in Tianjin University.” Thanks to his major, he always pays attention to the buildings around. The Weijin Road in front of the university is becoming more beautiful, with several edifices built nearby. Through that, he knows that the city is in fast development.

“China is a safe place,” he told us, “I haven’t encountered accidents since I came here.” Now his life in China is becoming more and more convenient. With the appearance of WeChat and Alipay, people don’t need to bring much cash with them in their everyday life. When it comes to campus life, he introduced, “now I can have meals in the canteens just with my student card, and the card can also be recharged by Alipay. When I first came to the university, things were not as easy. Most of the new students even don’t have an idea that things were so inconvenient several years ago.” There were two dormitories for international students in the university. Two more were put into use now, both of which are nicely decorated. “I feel much happiness living here.” He said.

Now it’s late January, some Chinese students may be curious about the way their foreign companions celebrate holidays in China. “It’s quite different,” he commented. “In my country, people take holidays during Christmas. But in China, people are always busy then, so we celebrate Chinese New Year.” However, the university prepares an evening party for foreign students, where they perform folk dances or do other performances, making themselves feel the pace of the New Year. There’s one different point - when the party ends, they go back for their studies.

During the interview, Yannick said he really loves Tianjin University and enjoys the life here. “Teachers and classmates here are very kind to me, and I think I was kind too. We always help each other.”

By: Meng Xianjun

Editors: Qin Mian and Keith Harrington