Student finds 2nd home in Beijing

By Wang Qian (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-02-18 07:40

All Senegalese Augustin Jegig knew about the Chinese before he came to study in Beijing three years ago was that they were kungfu masters and spent most of their days practicing the martial art.

Today, the student of finance and banking from the capital's Beihang University knows there is a lot more to China and its people than just kungfu.

"When I came here I realized that even though fewer people actually practice the traditional form of fighting, almost every Chinese was in touch with his traditions.

"They're perfect when it comes to blending traditions with modernity."

Jegig was one of the first batch of Senegalese students who came to study in China after the two countries resumed their diplomatic ties in 2005.

When he was packing to board a plane to Beijing, he "was nervous" and didn't know what to expect from a country he knew so little about. Three years since, he has found a home in Beijing, "a home away from home", he said.

"People here are so helpful. All you need to do is asking for help, and they'll go out of their way to lend a hand."

Initially, like most other expatriates in the country, Jegig found himself at a loss of words when waitresses at the local eateries handed him a Chinese menu.

His local friends "patiently explained each word mentioned in the menu".

Now, he's almost Chinese himself. "I spent Spring Festival hogging on jiaozi (dumplings) and Lantern Festival on yuanxiao (rice balls with sweet fillings)."

Jegig is confident that his experience in China will make him stand out in the job market, both domestically as well as internationally.

"Chinese firms are expanding all over the world, even in Africa. It won't be tough to find a job that I love anywhere I want," he said.

He is also considering starting his own business whenever he decides to go back to Africa.

He believes the rise of China will benefit his continent. "We (Africans) can shine alongside the Chinese dragon," he said.

"And the responsibility lies with us, the African students in China, to play a vital role in bridging the two sides. We are the ambassadors of Africa."

(China Daily 02/18/2009 page3)