Young Sinologists help to cement global ties

The experiences of foreign learners studying in China often reveal things that wouldn't otherwise be known.

In 2018, inspired by his mother, Alexey Semenov of Russia participated in the Visiting Program for Young Sinologists in Shanghai. "When my mother was young, she was very interested in Asian culture, but most of all, she was excited by the history of China, its ancient culture and language," said Semenov. "She dreamed of learning the Chinese language and studying Chinese culture, but did not have an opportunity to enter university to study those specialties."

He said his mother continued to chase her dream and finally achieved a degree in Chinese studies in her 40s — and her enthusiasm encouraged him. "I became interested in China when receiving my master's degree, and the more I learned about China's foreign and domestic policies, the more my interest grew," said Semenov. "I was interested in the political systems of different countries, and the fact that the political system of China is unique and has no analogs in the world caused my special interest."

The young Russian first visited China in 2015, and since then has traveled to several cities including Taipei, Beijing and Xi'an. In 2017, he attended the Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament under the International NGOs Exchange Program of BRICS.

"Thanks to China, I have made many friends around the world and have gained many contacts in the academic environment. The more I learn about China, the more I'm interested in the Chinese world," Semenov said.

Aykut Dal from Turkiye won a year of college study in China due to his excellent performance in a Chinese competition of world university students in 2009. The Chinese embassy in Ankara granted him a scholarship for a two-semester study in Tianjin.

"On Aug 28, 2009, I boarded a plane to China and arrived in Beijing safely after a long flight. I felt like I had woken up from a dream and looked around in amazement. It was only then that I truly believed my dream had come true. Even though it was my first time in China, I didn't feel like a stranger at all. That year was the most unforgettable year in my life," Dal said.

In 2015, Dal went to Nankai University for a two-semester study after receiving his scholarship from the Chinese government. "My wife joined me in studying Chinese in this period, and now the whole family is learning."

Beatrice Gallelli from Italy began overseas study in China in 2010. Six years later, she was a second-year PhD candidate at the School of Journalism and Communication at Peking University.

"I really appreciate the Chinese government for granting me a scholarship at that time. I was the only foreign student of my tutor, but all of my classmates were very friendly, treating me to dumplings and inviting me to join them to integrate Chinese culture," Gallelli said. "That wonderful experience made me understand the proverb that states all men are brothers."

The Visiting Program for Young Sinologists was founded by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2014. The program aims to establish a global platform to support young overseas Sinologists in carrying out research on China, and creates opportunities for young talents to exchange and cooperate with outstanding academic, cultural, educational and tourism institutions, as well as social groups, enterprises and scholars.

The program also provides substantive help for academic research and promotes long-term, stable contacts between academic institutions in various countries and corresponding Chinese research institutions and think tanks.