My dream to study in China came true in 2016 when I enrolled for an MBBS degree at Gannan Medical University, a prestigious medical institution based in Ganzhou City in the southeastern Chinese province of Jiangxi, a region defined by its pastoral landscapes of rice paddies, rivers and mountains.  

Ganzhou is located in the south of Jiangxi along the upper reaches of Ganjiang River. It is a fast-developing city. When l first stepped my foot in Ganzhou, it was not very developed except for the city centre. By the time l graduated, it had grown into a bustling, beautiful city, with friendly people who are smiling and accommodating all the time.

In the beginning, it was difficult to talk to the local people due to the language barrier. I couldn’t understand anything except the popular word ni hao, which means hello. The use of a phone translation app made my life easier. With interest in making local Chinese friends, I started studying Chinese language, which was difficult at first, especially due to the four tones. But with more exposure, practice and hard work, l began to understand the basic sentences, for instance, how to greet people in general and ask about their day, how to buy things in a supermarket, how to board a bus, how to ask for direction, etc., which allowed me to make converse with Chinese people.

Chinese people are generally friendly, so it was easy to make a lot of friends. Everywhere l went, everyone wanted to be my friend regardless of their social status. This made my stay in China very comfortable and enjoyable, so much so that l never missed home.

Among the many friends I met was Sasha, a young, beautiful and hardworking single mother. Sasha is a successful businesswoman who introduced me to the business world. She introduced me to many businesspeople who also became my friends. Hanging around with them pushed me to also think of doing some business apart from my university studies. With China being one of the fastest growing economies in the whole world, it was easier for me to start my own fashion business. l launched my own brand for women’s stylish shoes, which were produced in China and sold back in my country Zimbabwe and all over the world. I even won the Fashion Designer of The Year Award in 2021 from the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards.

Apart from studies, l got the opportunity to travel to many cities for business and pleasure. I have been to the most famous sites in China such as the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, the Guangzhou Tower in Guangzhou, the Oriental Pearl Tower and Disney Land in Shanghai, the Window of the World in Shenzhen, the Terracotta Army in Xian, etc. I have also been to the famous Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong. Besides, I had the opportunity to participate in the local Chinese talent competitions, such as singing and modelling, where I won some awards as well.

These are my most memorable moments that l will cherish in my life: the experience of being able to fit in the Chinese society and way of living, being accepted, and treasured. I came to China as a foreign student but six years later, l became not only a qualified doctor, but also a businesswoman with a well-rounded, balanced life rich with good memories and knowledge of China. l consider it my second home.

The author is a medical student from Zimbabwe, studying at Gannan Medical University