Nayab Nasir: Studying in China is the Best Decision I’ve Made

Nayab Nasir from Pakistan is about to graduate this July with a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering. He has decided to work in China for a few years and has already received three job offers. He will start work in an transnational corporation located in Shanghai after graduation. Recalling the past two years, Nasir considered it most enjoyable, saying that to coming to China to study was the best decision he had ever made. The following is an article he wrote about his life in China.

My life in China

It was my first time away from my country. I had never been to any other country before. Prior to coming here, although I knew that China was a developing country I didn't know much about people's lifestyle here.

The day I arrived, I was amazed to see tall buildings, wide roads, expensive cars and eye-catching sights on my way to the university. I remember that the whole time I was on the bus, I kept looking out of the window. Everything was exciting and beautiful for me.

Since coming to Tianjin University, I have come across many Chinese people mostly when seeking help and I must say that all of them were very friendly and helpful. My life here is going really well, full of adventures and happiness. It's mostly because of my friends here who have made this place like a home for me. Before coming here I had friends just from my country. Now I have friends with different backgrounds and cultures and it's really exciting to have them in my life. I have also made a lot of Chinese friends and they have helped me through some difficult situations.

One thing I would like to mention here is that, in China among these culturally diverse people, I feel like I can be myself. No one is judging anyone here. People have the right to be themselves and do whatever they want as long as they don't break any laws.

I'm learning a lot of new things here. For example; discipline. In my everyday life here I see a lot of discipline in the Chinese people. At the bus stop or any other busy place like canteen, they would make a queue by themselves. I'm also learning to discipline my life in terms of my meal timings. It's is really inspiring for me to see even the old people working out and riding bicycles. So far I'm enjoying this place. There was the issue of the language barrier, but after two years’ learning, I can both speak and read Chinese. It is one of the achievements I have made in China.

In short I'm getting a lot of love and support from China. Every day is more exciting than the day before.

The two-year project-based master’s program helped a lot in grooming myself in all different aspects. In the first year of this program, I felt really excited to go to class every day to study together with my classmates who came from different countries. The class was taught in English and all the teachers were very professional.

During the second year, I was asked to do experiments in the lab. We had to apply theoretical knowledge to fabricate real life objects. That’s very practical and inspiring. I also got a chance to interact with my Chinese lab fellows and they taught me all the necessary research skills, safety measures and principles. My mentor, Pro. Jiang Zhongyi who is a well-known expert in membrane research was without a doubt the main source of guidance for me during these two years. His guidance helped me at every step of my research, and I am grateful for his patience, counselling and endless support.

These two years of master’s study have played a key role in developing my overall personality, and I can’t be grateful enough for this opportunity.

This is the most beautiful phase of my life so far. When I go back to my country, I'll have a lot of beautiful memories to share with my friends and family. Also I will miss China and its people.

Nayab Nasir

Editors: Eva Yin & Doris Harrington