In 2011, a young Afghan named Mehrullah embarked on a journey that would shape his future and bridge cultures. Alongside 20 of his classmates from Kabul University, where he studied Chinese language, he traveled to Taiyuan City in north China’s Shanxi Province. This trip was more than an academic endeavor; it was an immersion into a world vastly different from his own.
For months, Taiyuan became a second home to these eager students. The vibrant university life, the rich cultural heritage of Shanxi, and the warmth of the local people left an indelible mark on them. “Studying in China was a turning point,” recalls Mehrullah. “It wasn’t just the language we learned; we experienced life in a rapidly developing country.”
Upon returning to Afghanistan, armed with fluency in Chinese, he became a translator, facilitating communication and fostering connections between the two nations. Yet, as the years passed, a longing grew within him. “I often wonder how much China has changed since we were there,” he muses. “Eleven years is a long time in a country that transforms so quickly.”
China’s landscape has indeed evolved dramatically over the past decade, with advancements in technology, infrastructure, and global influence. For someone like Mehrullah, who witnessed a snapshot of this progress in 2011, the desire to return is fueled by curiosity and a yearning to reconnect.
“I hope to see the innovations, the new cities, and how the people have adapted,” he says. “Returning to China would not only be a personal journey but also an opportunity to bring back insights to Afghanistan.”
As he plans for the future, his story resonates with many who have studied abroad and seek to rediscover the places that once broadened their horizons. In a world where connections across borders are more important than ever, individuals like Mehrullah embody the spirit of cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
