Growing up on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan, Malika always dreamed of exploring new horizons. Thanks to a scholarship program, she found herself on a plane bound for the Chinese mainland's eastern coast, where West Lake lies at the heart of Hangzhou. CGTN reporter Chen Yilin sat down with Malika to learn how this journey is shaping her future—and strengthening cultural ties between her homeland and China.
In her first days on campus, Malika was struck by the tranquil waters and willow-lined promenades of West Lake. "It reminded me of home," she recalls. "The way the mountains meet the water at Issyk-Kul is echoed here in Hangzhou. It felt like a familiar embrace." As she navigates lectures in international relations and hones her Mandarin skills, she's also discovering how centuries of Chinese history and Kyrgyz traditions intersect in art, music, and tea ceremonies.
Beyond the classroom, Malika has joined student clubs that connect peers from G20 nations. Last month, she co-hosted a cultural night showcasing traditional Kyrgyz nomadic music and dance. "When I see my classmates dancing to the komuz alongside pipa melodies, I know we're building bridges that go far beyond borders," she says. These grassroots exchanges mirror growing economic and educational partnerships between Kyrgyzstan and the Chinese mainland, fueling innovation and shared growth.
With every cup of Longjing tea, every calligraphy stroke, and every new friendship, Malika's story highlights the power of study abroad to transform perspectives. As she plans her next trip back to Issyk-Kul, she carries with her not just textbooks, but a network of global citizens ready to shape a more connected future.
For today's young travelers, changemakers, and entrepreneurs, Malika's journey is a reminder: when curiosity meets opportunity, the world becomes a classroom—and every student can be an ambassador of unity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
