What inspired you to travel abroad?
Actually, my job in my country had been suspended due to war circumstances. Therefore, I decided to travel to be with my wife while she pursued her PhD in China.
I believe that travelling can change our lifestyle for the better because of the rush of new knowledge we can gain. The great differences in lifestyle between China and my country inspired me a lot.
Why did you choose That's Mandarin?
I like education. I really find myself while teaching. I am an assistant professor of electronics engineering.
When I came to China, I found it difficult to find a job or even volunteer my knowledge due to the language barrier. Therefore, I joined That's Mandarin to get the keys to the Chinese language. Of course, Chinese basics are very different from my mother tongue, but I like to take this challenge.
One day in China's nature.
What was your favorite part about China?
To be fair and clear, I should say that coming from a poor environment, I was shocked by the huge level of technology I saw in China!
Really, China is a great country. The city where I live now is more than what I could dream of in my own country. Being surrounded by this advanced technology has helped enrich my mind a lot.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
In our local culture, we have a famous essay that says: "Go on travelling, then five benefits you can collect—Sadness healing, Earning a living, Science, Arts of attitude, and Friendship."
Indeed, this essay came true for me. I released all the bad effects of war. My food and dining improved. I enjoy learning every moment. The honest way Chinese people deal with others has taught me wonderful human attitudes. And I’ve made many nice friends.
At UESTC—a university in Chengdu, China.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
Chinese people, by default, are a helpful nation. Everyone, in their work, is professional and committed to making you satisfied. That’s common.
In the special case of my learning at That's Mandarin, I found the highest level of care. While at the school, I feel as if it was established just for me. Even when I’m home, the staff follows up with messages, activities, and notifications. They are really outstanding.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
As I said earlier, I’m an assistant professor in my country. Due to economic difficulties, our universities lack recent technologies. Teachers and students are both eager for any chance to develop ourselves and bring that knowledge back to our institutions.
I wish I had the opportunity to be involved in any kind of technical education abroad. I truly wish that.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Being abroad means a lot to me, so I try to get the most benefit out of every day.
I start my day as early as possible. I usually take a half-hour walk for exercise. I work on my special research because I plan to publish an article. I study new Chinese vocabulary.
In the evening, I spend time with my wife helping with her research, or we go on a small picnic. Most days are like that.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I used to visit public places like parks, malls, the cinema, or just walk around the city.
But since I don’t have a job here in China and money is tight, I save both my time and money to focus on research work. Why? Because I want to make use of the research facilities here—facilities I can’t access back in my country.
Anyhow, I enjoy every moment because life abroad is easier than in my country.
Addis Ababa.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
Before I arrived, my wife was staying inside the university campus. After I came, she rented a small flat.
Although the flat is simple, it is fully furnished and very comfortable. It has all the needed services and is in a good location. The surrounding community is also wonderful.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
In our local culture, we don’t like to talk about ourselves. We have an essay that says, "The doer isn’t the talker."
But as a brief answer for future participants, I’d say: cooperation is the most important quality we should have between us. I believe that "One hand can’t clap." "Together" should be our logo.
Would you recommend your program to others? Why?
Yes, of course. Sharing knowledge makes it stronger and helps purify it from mistakes.
You should share programs with trusted people—those who can help, support, or at least advise you to do your best. Successful people always work in teams and share ideas.
So, I have no doubt in recommending my program to others, as long as I trust them.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
I think I’ve already touched on this earlier, with the local essay that says:
"Go on travelling, then five benefits you can collect—Sadness healing, Earning a living, Science, Arts of attitude, and Friendship."
These five benefits are exactly what I have gained while traveling abroad. I deeply feel them right now in China—and I felt them earlier when I was in India.
With my teacher at That's Mandarin school.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I spent five years in India (2010–2015) while pursuing my PhD. That period shaped me with different values in knowledge and attitude.
When I returned home, life became easier. I applied what I had learned and observed in my community. I reflected the kindness of Indian people in my relationships with family and friends.
Moreover, I upgraded the education in my department and introduced new technologies. This is exactly what I aim to do anytime I get a chance to go abroad.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
For me, as someone from a simple community, travel means a lot. People around the world have the same bodies, but for sure, they have different manners and ethics based on their culture and environment.
Without travel, one can’t discover these differences. For me, travel is a great teacher—one that should never be missed.
