Sino-ASEAN mingling to forge closer bonds

Foreign students perform in a variety show at the Guizhou Minzu University in January. [Photo provided to China Daily]

After more than three years at Guizhou Minzu University, Luong Nguyen Hai Nam, a Vietnamese student, has fallen in love with the land, the sour fish soup and the local culture.

"Guizhou is my second hometown. I hope to spend my life here after finishing my studies," says Luong, 21.

He got a letter of admission from the university in 2013, giving him a first-class scholarship with a waiver of tuition fees, free accommodation and a 1,000 yuan ($150) monthly stipend.

Studying abroad is a challenge for a high school graduate, especially considering the language barrier and cultural differences. But he felt enthusiastic when he got to Guiyang, the provincial capital.

"My teachers were at the airport to pick us," says Luong, who can now speak Chinese fluently.

Luong, who is majoring in human resources management, says he hopes he can get a good job in Guizhou after graduation, with his proficiency in Chinese.

Xia Jingang, the deputy dean of the school of international education at Guizhou Minzu University, says the school works hard to help international students to adapt and study.