Wudaokou Watch: "When You Learn Something, Accept It as a Gift"
advertisement
Welcome to Wudaokou Watch! We'll meet a different Beijing-based international student each week, to hear about their life in China's capital...
Hi there, what brings you to Beijing?
My name is Bettie Bwanali and I come from Malawi, the warm heart of Africa. I came to Beijing to pursue a master's degree in business administration at UIBE University.
advertisement
How is life in Beijing different from your home country?
Beijing is so advanced technologically. The system of paying things through WeChat and Alipay makes things so convenient, and it is something we don’t have in Malawi. China technology is right up there, it's something that everyone admires.
What are the biggest challenges for you here?
I’d say the greatest challenge is communication. My Chinese is not very good and when I'm out and about, I often need someone who is fluent in the Chinese language to help me.
What are some of your favorite hangouts here in Beijing?
Tube Station has delicious pizza, and the Summer Palace has stunning scenery, and with the easy access, clear paths and well-maintained surroundings, it is one of the most attractive places to visit My third favorite hangout is Peking Café. It is a great place to build a network, and the sweet and savory cuisine makes it an ideal place for casual but also business meetings. It is also a great place to meet new people.
What do you do when you are feeling homesick?
It is very hard to find food from my country here in China, but it does not worry me too much because I do like Chinese food.
What do you love most about Beijing?
As crowded as Beijing is, it makes it a fun place to live in because it gives room for you to meet people and make new friends, and also opens you up to a lot of opportunities like part-time jobs.
What is your most memorable Beijing experience?
Stepping my feet for the first time on one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Wall of China. It was a super great, memorable experience.
How has life in Beijing impacted you?
It has made me realize that when you learn something from people, or from a culture, you should accept it as a gift, and to make it your lifelong commitment to preserve it and build upon it.
What inspires you and what are your future plans?
I'm really inspired by China's fast growth in the technology industry. China is getting so advanced as each day passes which shows how dedicated the country is to building a better future. My future plans are to go back home after my studies and apply the knowledge that I have acquired here in my field of work.
READ: "I'm Walking in the Footsteps of the World's Richest and Greatest Entrepreneurs"
Are you a student in Beijing? Let us profile you and your unique experiences here. Drop us a line at editor@thebeijinger.com and we’ll get back to you to schedule an interview.
Images courtesy of Bettie Bwanali
advertisement
Want to know what awesome events are happening in town? Scan/Extract the QR code above to get the list of our Editors' Picks.
Got something to sell? Looking for a job? Or an apartment? Then scan/extract the QR code above to visit our Classified Ads.
Do you have what it takes to be a True Runner?
Scan/Extract the QR code above to check out our current job openings.
The Beijinger
Always something fresh
Scan/Extract this QR code to follow us!