When bank employee Nexul from Tajikistan packed her bags for Lianyungang in east China's Jiangsu Province, she left more than her office cubicle behindâshe left her comfort zone.
Inspired by the Belt and Road Initiative's impact in Central Asia, Nexul decided to swap her spreadsheets for Mandarin flashcards. For her, mastering Chinese in Lianyungangâa coastal hub where East meets Westâis the first step on a journey that could open doors across borders.
"Learning Mandarin feels like unlocking a new world," Nexul says. Class by class, she's not only building language skills but also immersing herself in local customs, cuisine and everyday life, forging connections far beyond the classroom.
Nexul's leap to study in China reflects a growing wave of global learners chasing cultural exchange and career opportunities. As China deepens ties with Central Asia, stories like hers show how language can bridge cultures, spark fresh perspectives and power the next generation of global citizens.
Whether you're dreaming of a new adventure or curious about the global impact of major initiatives, Nexul's story is a reminder: sometimes it takes a bold first stepâlike learning a new languageâto set your world in motion.
What language are you learning next? Share your goals in the comments.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
