[Graduation series]International Graduate Continues to Explore Chinese Culture

Pedro, from Brazil, is an International student at GDUFS. He plans to continue studying through a postgraduate degree at Fudan University or the University of Macau, which is not decided until after graduation. When being asked why he chose to study in China, he said he had been interested in Chinese culture since he saw the film “Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon” directed by Li An when he was young. What’s more, universities in China offer him scholarships to have a free education, and that’s how the story goes. “I will probably go back to my country after I have finished my doctorate degree,” said Pedro.

Pedro is assiduous in studying Chinese and the culture. Like other people who learn Chinese, he finds the tones of the Chinese language the most difficult to learn. But during the interview, whenever he spoke Chinese, he would pronounce every word clearly and he could always get his meaning across.

Apart from devoting much time to studying, he has also developed some new hobbies here.

“I like to walk around the campus at night, and sometimes I walk on the playground, and think about life,” he thought about it carefully before answering, “and it’s quite safe to walk around here at night.”

Besides, he mentioned that the he loved Chinese black tea. “I often go to the Tea Market in Fangcun District in Guangzhou with some Chinese friends. The sellers there are nice and they always treat me to various tea,” he smiled.

“Oh, and I also climb the mountain here with friends.” He said that it’s a very new hobby, and not so many people have this hobby in his hometown.

A relaxing and delightful interview

When speaking of the differences between universities back in Brazil and GDUFS, his eyes snapped and had a lot more to offer: “Students here are unbelievably diligent! They read and recite out loud every day morning on the first floor of the teaching buildings, come rain or shine. Students here definitely spend more time in studying.” As for the relationship between teachers and students, he admitted that students at GDUFS give more respect to teachers, and a more gentle way is used when discussing. Moreover, canteens with all sorts of delicious Chinese dishes are definitely memorable: “We don’t have so many options in Brazil.”

Pedro’s journey to build a deeper connection with China and Chinese will never stop. Let’s give our best wishes to this friend who has been fascinated by China since the age of 10.