Photo taken on December 4, 2024, shows Yifan (first from left), an international student from Pakistan, studies with his Chinese classmates during the break at the School of International Education of Xinjiang Agricultural University in Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Cai Zengle) news: "I am passionate about Chinese culture and aspire to become a Chinese language teacher after graduation," said HAQ AHSAN UL, whose Chinese name is Yifan.

Yifan, a 26-year-old sophomore from Pakistan, began his studies at the School of International Education of Xinjiang Agricultural University in 2023. Throughout his learning process, Yifan has been fascinated by the intricate structure of Chinese characters and the depth of meaning behind the words. “He actively engages with his teachers and classmates, and always goes out of his way to seek help in his studies.” Zhang Chunmei, a Chinese teacher at the School of International Education, said.

Photo taken on December 4, 2024, shows Yifan (first from left), an international student from Pakistan, answers questions at the School of International Education of Xinjiang Agricultural University in Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Yifan’s Chinese language skills are steadily improving thanks to his dedication. He has also created a video account where he frequently shares updates about the Belt and Road Initiative in Chinese.

“In the past two years, Xinjiang Agricultural University has received over 100 international students like Yifan, majoring in Chinese language, international economy and trade, and human resources management, etc.,” said Yang Zhijiang, deputy secretary of the Party branch and dean of the School of International Education of Xinjiang Agricultural University.

Photo taken on December 4, 2024, shows Yifan (first from right), an international student from Pakistan, with his teacher Zhang Chunmei at the School of International Education of Xinjiang Agricultural University in Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Established in 2010, the School of International Education of Xinjiang Agricultural University is responsible for three types of international education programs, namely, international students in China, Sino-British undergraduate courses and Sino-foreign cooperation in running schools. This year, 146 international students from seven countries came to the university to study and carry out traditional Chinese cultural activities.

Since the establishment of the School of International Education, significant efforts have been made to create a high-quality international education brand that reflects regional characteristics. This aligns with China's opening to the west and the development of the core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt, ultimately providing a solid talent pool to support the Belt and Road initiative.

Photo taken on December 4, 2024, shows international students attend a Chinese class at the School of International Education of Xinjiang Agricultural University in Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on December 4, 2024, shows Soyibjonov Ulugbek (Chinese name Wu Xiaohu), an international student from Uzbekistan, answers questions at the School of International Education of Xinjiang Agricultural University in Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on December 4, 2024, shows international students take Chinese lessons at the School of International Education of Xinjiang Agricultural University in Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on December 4, 2024, shows Zhang Chunmei (middle), a Chinese teacher takes a photo with Fakiha (Chinese name Ming Weizhen), an international student from Pakistan at the School of International Education of Xinjiang Agricultural University in Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

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