Amandurdyyeva Aynazik is a 25-year-old student from Turkmenistan. She has stayed at Tianjin University for five years now, pursuing her master’s degree after finishing her bachelor's degree.                                   

She came to China in September 2018 and chose Tianjin University, which is her dream school. She said: “Tianjin University is the first modern university in China and ranks well among Chinese and international universities. The majors and disciplines attract the attention of many from all over the world, including me.”

Even though she encountered language barriers in her first year, she met two Chinese female students in the cafeteria and became good friends with them. They helped her to improve her Chinese language skills by going to the library and hanging out together. She was quite a fast learner.

"The key to adapting to a new place is to make new friends. Rather than waiting for people to talk to you, approaching them and conversing is far more rewarding, and is the best way to gain new knowledge or a new friend," she said.

She loves the atmosphere of creativity at Tianjin University. She thinks it is important that the university encourages students to think innovatively so they can better integrate into society after graduation.  

Before coming to Tianjin University, her dream was to become a high school teacher. But her study at Tianjin University changed her aspirations. She has met a lot of vocational teachers who gave her professional advice. She chose to stay at Tianjin University for her master’s so she can go back to her country and become a university teacher.

She thinks she is very lucky to be able to study  in China and "teach Chinese to speakers of other languages”.

She learned a lot of Chinese history during her university years. Now she still has two years of graduate school. She wants to research vocational education in China and other countries.

She said: "Studying in China is an excellent opportunity to explore it. You can experience China's unique blend of ancient and modern civilization, as well as its scenic beauty and bustling nightlife. I also meet new people and visit new places with students around the world. Studying and living in China is cheaper than studying and living in other countries such as the US and Japan.” 

She loves to travel, and has visited many places in China during vacations. During these trips, she met new people and came to know local life better. She was able to better understand Chinese culture.

She said: "Traveling gives me experience and teaches me about life in a way that nothing else can. I am leaving a piece of my heart in China but China will be in my heart forever.”