Hello! I’m Neerag Basnet, a 20-year-old student from Nepal currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine at Wuhan University, China. My journey to China has been both exciting and filled with hard work.

In September 2023, after being selected for the program (CSC-Chinese Scholarship Council), I began my preparatory studies at Tongji University in Shanghai. There, I studied Mandarin Chinese alongside many international students. The experience was enriching and felt more like a cultural workshop than a classroom. We explored not only the language but also Chinese history, culture, and the country’s rapid economic development.

After graduating from Shanghai in 2024, I moved to Wuhan to begin my major coursework. At first, Wuhan felt unfamiliar, and I knew I had to adapt and work hard. However, it quickly became a second home. I was deeply touched by the warm welcome from my Chinese classmates and the professionalism of my professors. They were supportive, understanding, and truly helped me adjust to this new environment.

One of the most meaningful parts of my academic journey has been the opportunity to take classes like “General Situation and Survey of China” and “Cross-Culture Communication.” These subjects have deepened my understanding of China, both academically and culturally. I’ve also appreciated how the university prioritizes students’ well-being. We even have a course focused on personal growth and mental health teaching us how to take care of ourselves and stay motivated.

I feel incredibly fortunate to be learning and growing in such a supportive and inspiring environment. China has not only given me an education but also broadened my worldview and introduced me to lifelong friends and mentors.

Socializing and Campus Life

Wuhan University has been incredibly welcoming to international students. With over 3,000 students from various countries and cultures with Multi linguistic backgrounds, it truly feels like a global village. This multicultural environment provides a unique  opportunity for cross-cultural exchange and allows each individual to learn from and appreciate different traditions and perspectives.The university fosters interaction and community through international student circles and various student-led groups. Activities such as field visits, seminars, cross-cultural workshops, and cultural festivals are an essential part of campus life. These events not only enhance our academic experience but also build strong social bonds among students and faculty alike.One of the highlights of campus life is the annual Cultural Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival. During the Cultural Festival, students showcase their heritage through food, traditional clothing, dance, and music. It’s a vibrant celebration of diversity. The Dragon Boat Festival is especially meaningful to me because it symbolizes the power of teamwork and communication, values that resonate deeply both inside and outside the classroom.

Holidays and Their Meaning to Me

Every year, we enjoy two major holidays—summer and winter. The winter holidays are about a month long, while the summer break lasts for nearly two months. During these breaks, I’ve had the chance to travel around China and experience its rich warmth, hospitality, and cultural depth. I’ve visited cities like Zhangjiajie, Beijing, Hangzhou, and Suzhou, where I explored deep-rooted traditions and local lifestyles. One thing that stood out was how surprised and delighted local people were to see a foreigner speaking Chinese. In one memorable instance, a shopkeeper not only appreciated my effort to speak Mandarin but also gifted me some local goods and even invited me to share a meal. That simple gesture of kindness made me feel truly welcomed.

Being in a single dorm room has its own charm too. While I enjoy the peaceful space to relax and recharge, the real joy comes when my friends come over during holidays. We cook together, share stories, and often head out to explore the city, trying local food, visiting cultural landmarks, and enjoying the festive energy. These small adventures have created some of my best memories.

One of the most meaningful experiences happened just before the last holiday break, when a group of professionals hosted a workshop at our university. We learned how to wrap traditional Chinese dumplings and even got hands-on practice in Chinese calligraphy. They explained the deep cultural significance behind the art—its history, elegance, and connection to personal expression. Participating in such workshops has helped me not only understand Chinese traditions more deeply but also feel more connected to the culture I now live in. Holidays in China have become more than just a break from classes—they’re a time to learn, connect, and grow.

Embracing the Heart of Chinese Culture

Living and studying in China has given me the incredible opportunity to experience its deep and interesting culture. Chinese traditions are deeply woven into daily life, and festivals play a significant role in bringing people together. I’ve been fortunate to celebrate major festivals like the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), where red lanterns light up the streets, and families reunite for grand feasts. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, I enjoyed mooncakes under the full moon, feeling the warmth of the community even far from home. The Dragon Boat Festival was another highlight, with thrilling boat races and delicious sticky rice dumplings (zongzi).

One of the most beautiful aspects of Chinese culture is its deep connection to food. China is a paradise for food lovers like me. From spicy Sichuan dishes to delicate Cantonese dim sum, the variety is endless. I love exploring local street food and traditional dishes, it’s like tasting history in every bite.

What touches me most, however, is the sense of community in everyday life. In the evenings, I often see elderly women and men (nai nai and ye ye) gathering in public squares to dance together. The music, the rhythm, and the joy in their movements are truly heartwarming. I’ve even joined in a few times myself, and the experience was so joyful and welcoming that I’ll never forget it.

China’s culture isn’t just something you read about in books, it’s alive, shared, and celebrated daily. Being part of it has made my time here unforgettable.

Health, Technology, and Society

As a medical student, I am truly impressed and grateful to witness the advanced state of medical infrastructure in China. The hospitals are equipped with the latest technologies, and the laboratories are modern, highly functional, and student-friendly. Our classrooms are well-designed, spacious, and equipped with smart tools that enhance learning. The layout ensures that every student is visible and reachable to the teacher, which creates an interactive and effective learning environment.

One personal experience that truly amazed me happened recently when I visited a local hospital. Within minutes, I was able to register, consult with a doctor, receive treatment, and leave the hospital all in under 20 minutes. The speed, efficiency, and professionalism of the medical staff made me realize how developed and responsive China’s healthcare system is. It was a clear demonstration of a system that prioritizes both quality and accessibility.

Chinese society, too, reflects a strong foundation of respect and values. From a young age, children are taught the importance of giving and receiving respect. One of the most heartwarming customs I’ve noticed is how people greet each other. Instead of asking “How are you?”, it’s common for someone to ask, “Have you eaten?”—a small but meaningful way to show care and concern. As a foreigner, I found these cultural gestures very touching and genuine.

Though China and my home country Nepal may differ in traditions, we share many similarities in our social values, like respect for elders, strong family ties, and hospitality. Over time, I’ve found a space for myself in Chinese society where I feel safe, respected, and free to express my thoughts. I’ve travelled to many countries before, but I have never felt the same level of security and community as I do in China. It’s a country that is not only technologically advanced but also socially well-developed where tradition and progress go hand in hand.

Life Beyond University

Life outside the university has been an equally rewarding part of my journey in China. While academics keep me grounded, it’s the experiences beyond the classroom that have truly shaped my personal growth. As someone who loves basketball and long-distance running, I’ve found plenty of opportunities to stay active. Wuhan University’s sports facilities are fantastic, and playing basketball with both Chinese and international students has helped me build friendships that go beyond language and culture. I’ve also taken part in local marathons, and the energy of the crowd, the encouragement from strangers, and the shared spirit of perseverance made me feel connected to the community in a unique way.

Some of my most cherished memories come from moments shared with friends. One unforgettable evening was when a group of Chinese friends invited me to explore

Xinjiang-style street food.The mix of bold spices, sizzling skewers, and lively atmosphere made the night unforgettable and the lamb kebabs were some of the best I’ve ever had. Back at the dorm, we often host hot pot (火锅) parties, where everyone brings ingredients and gathers around the steaming pot. We laugh, eat, and learn more about each other’s cultures with every bite. These small get-together s may seem ordinary, but they’ve helped me form deep bonds with people from different backgrounds.

Whether it’s a casual late-night walk around campus, spontaneous food hunts, or singing and dancing with friends, life beyond university has shown me that the true essence of studying abroad lies in the connections we build, the joy we share, and the new sides of ourselves we discover along the way.

Insight & Personal Growth

What China Taught Me About Myself: A New Sense of Independence?

Living and studying in China has been more than just an academic experience,it has been a journey of self-discovery. Being far from home, away from the comfort of my family and familiar surroundings in Nepal, taught me how to stand on my own. I had to learn how to manage my daily life from navigating a new culture and speaking a different language to handling studies, health, maintaining finance and responsibilities all on my own. At first, it was overwhelming, but over time, I found strength in the very challenges that once scared me.

China taught me patience, discipline, and adaptability. I became more open-minded, learning how to understand and appreciate different perspectives, especially when working in multicultural classrooms or living with people from diverse backgrounds. The experience also helped me build confidence. Whether it was speaking Mandarin in public, solving problems without help, or simply budgeting my monthly expenses, I began to trust myself more. I’ve realized that independence doesn’t mean being alone,it means being capable in every sector of life. And through my journey in China, I’ve not only grown as a student but also matured as a person. I now understand the value of time, communication, and emotional balance. These lessons, which go far beyond textbooks, are the ones that will stay with me for life.

My Experiences with Tips & Advice

To future international students coming to China, I want to say: be prepared not just for academic challenges, but for a completely new lifestyle. My journey started in Shanghai, and while it was filled with excitement, it was also full of learning curves. One of the first obstacles I faced was the language barrier—simple tasks like ordering food or asking for directions suddenly felt difficult. Daily life was even more challenging because most payments in China are fully digital, and I wasn’t used to using apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay. At first, I felt out of place, confused, and even frustrated, especially while trying to travel or buy basic things.

Food was another adjustment. I come from a different taste and culture, so at the beginning, I missed the flavors I was familiar with. On top of that, I deeply missed celebrating my traditional festivals and being around family. But over time, everything started to change. I slowly adapted to Chinese food, found comfort in local dishes, and even began enjoying street snacks with friends. I built close friendships with both international and Chinese students, and together we shared our cultures, stories, and festivals. This small group of friends soon became my family away from home.

China has shaped me in so many unexpected ways. I’ve become more independent, more aware of different cultures, and more capable of handling life on my own. I’ve learned to be patient, to adapt quickly, and to accept change positively. My advice to anyone preparing to come here is: don’t be afraid of the hard days. You will miss home, you will get frustrated, and sometimes you will feel lost, but that’s okay.Those moments will help you grow.

Also, try to learn a few basic Chinese phrases before you arrive, it really helps, and locals will appreciate the effort. Be open to trying new foods and traditions, even if they’re unfamiliar at first. Trust the process, give yourself time to adjust, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Whether it’s your teachers, classmates, or new friends, you’ll find people who want to support you. Eventually, China won’t just feel like the place you study, it will start to feel like a second home, just like it did for me.

As someone who was fortunate to receive a full scholarship to study in China, I encourage everyone to seize opportunities like this with both hands. Dive deep into your studies, immerse yourself in the culture, and truly embrace the chance to develop your Chinese language skills and personal growth. This experience has been life-changing for me, and it can be for you too.