Editor's note: Paoly Simmavongxay is a Laotian girl who has been studying in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu province for two years. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and other difficulties, she has had a fruitful learning experience and a good relationship with her Chinese friends and teachers. The following is her story.
A picture of Paoly Simmavongxay. [Photo provided to english.jsjyt.edu.cn]
I am Paoly Simmavongxay from Laos. Recently, a picture about the China-Laos Railway sparked a discussion in the WeChat group that me and my fellow Laotian students are in. When I saw the picture, I thought it indicated the brilliant future of the development in Laos.
The opening of the China-Laos Railway. [Photo provided to english.jsjyt.edu.cn]
Referring to the opening of the railway, Thongloun Sisoulith, president of Laos, said that the Laotian people are grateful to China's effort in helping the country to embrace modern railways.
I have also benefited much from China after living and studying here for more than two years. The Nanjing Communications Institute of Technology provides me with a good environment for studying. The campus is well-appointed and teachers and students here are very friendly. There are many books in the school library. I can also enjoy various types of delicious food provided by the canteens in the school.
In 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 in China made us nervous. However, China's countermeasures were timely and effective. Due to the solidarity of the Chinese, many new hospitals were built and many medical supplies were produced within a short time.
During the epidemic period, teachers in the school took good care of us. They even helped us buy vegetables and daily necessities.
Our teachers have accompanied us during every Chinese traditional festival and explained the meaning of these events.
For example, our teachers told us that the Chinese customarily reunite with their families on Mid-Autumn Festival. On New Year's Day, teachers also made dumplings and partook in the New Year's Eve dinner with us. Thanks to their care and accompany, we were no longer worried about the epidemic.
Overseas students in the Nanjing Communications Institute of Technology celebrate the Spring Festival with their teachers. [Photo provided to english.jsjyt.edu.cn]
Though the learning space has shifted from the classroom to online platforms, I am still getting to learn Chinese and pick up new professional knowledge. I have been studying online for one and a half years. Most of my classmates and I have passed the HSK4 exam through the online system.
In the past two years, I have been impressed by the rapid development in China. The high-speed railway in China is fast and safe, and it takes only an hour to travel from Nanjing to Shanghai. The mobile payment systems have made life in China very convenient.
After graduating, I plan to utilize my knowledge learned in China and run a China-Laos trading company in Laos. Through this company, I believe I can contribute to building a closer relationship between the two countries.
A picture of Paoly and her teachers and friends in the Nanjing Communications Institute of Technology, East China's Jiangsu province. [Photo provided to english.jsjyt.edu.cn]
