From June 14 to June 19, 2024, we visited China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the school for organizing this trip for us. It is a great honor for me to express my gratitude.

The people we encountered during our stay in Xinjiang were exceptionally friendly, compassionate, and respectful, an experience I would sincerely like to share with you.

Every interaction was filled with warmth and kindness. Particularly noteworthy was their hospitality towards newcomers: they greeted us with smiles, invited us to take pictures together, and showed great kindness to us in the markets. Even when faced with language barriers, they patiently tried to understand us and treated us with the utmost respect.

Photo shows Tesfaye Mekonnen and other international students who took part in a school event.

Personally, I developed a deep affection for the people there and experienced a sense of belonging similar to that in my homeland.

Now that we are at Central South University in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, I want our teachers to know that we have continued to receive incredibly friendly treatment.

The people in Xinjiang were consistently warm and welcoming. I had never been disappointed, and at times, I had found myself marveling at their kindness. Before coming to China, we were concerned about the possibility of experiencing racial discrimination as black individuals from Africa. However, we did not encounter any form of discrimination; in fact, we felt completely accepted.

I can confidently say that the Chinese people have a truly international outlook. Before coming here, I had little knowledge of Chinese culture and harbored concerns about fitting in. Now, I feel more secure and comfortable in China than in my own country. Previously, our exposure had primarily been to Western cultures, with little attention paid to Chinese culture; however, now my family and I watch Chinese movies and dramas together, finding commonalities in our ways of life.

I must also mention that we feel at home here, thanks to the warm and familial treatment we receive from our teachers—particularly Mr, Xu, student counselor Charlie, and school assistant Rose. This feeling prompts us to express our gratitude on our group WeChat often as it reflects our genuine sentiments.

Photo shows Tesfaye Mekonnen and other international students experience VR technology.

Our only challenge has been food choices, as many of us adhere to dietary restrictions rooted in the teachings and commandments we follow. However, we appreciate the understanding shown by others here who view dietary preferences as a matter of nutrition rather than religion. This has provided us with a new perspective on cultural differences.

My time in China has been incredibly enriching, and I have developed a deep affection for the Chinese people, whom I now consider akin to my own family. If circumstances allow, I would love to extend my stay here as I am truly enjoying my time.

Thank you all for your warm hospitality, love, and respect for humanity. Your conduct reflects teachings found in many religions, even though you may not follow those religions directly. It is a testament to your admirable character.

Tesfaye Mekonnen is from Ethiopia and currently studies at Central South University.

Planner : Jie Wenjin

Reviewers : Hou Weili and Cheng Li

Related:

Expat Eyes | African student: Xinjiang, united in history, culture and diversity