[UK] Joseph Marnick, Zhejiang Gongshang University
Unlike most other students, I was already living in China before attending Zhejiang Gongshang University. I came to China seven years ago because I wanted to see the world and go on an exciting adventure. Seven years later and I’m still here - in fact, I'm married to my beautiful Chinese wife, and I’m graduating from a Chinese university.
I've had a great time at Zhejiang Gongshang University. I've improved my Chinese a lot and have learned about Chinese culture and business culture. I've even learned a lot about other cultures because I've made friends with many classmates from various countries, such as Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Egypt.
The pandemic affected our studies a lot because we had to have online classes, and many classmates couldn't come back to China. Thankfully, our amazing teachers and university staff continued to help guide us and give us classes online. It was very hard to stay motivated sometimes, for I haven't been home for 3 years and I miss my family a lot.
At times I really wanted to give up. However, the support of my wife, friends and teachers at university really helped to keep me going. This is one of the reasons I joined some university activities. I needed something to help keep my mind focused, and it was a fun and exciting challenge to set for myself.
Now my time at Zhejiang Gongshang University is coming to an end, but the memories will last forever. I've really enjoyed my time here and have learned a lot. Hopefully, I'll have the chance to see my classmates and teachers again in the future. Lastly, I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Zhejiang Gongshang University.
Joseph Marnick is studying Business Chinese at Zhejiang Gongshang University.
