My Time at Hainan University - Samantha Lee Pan/李敏霞 (South Africa)

When I first arrived at Haikou, I was apprehensive and scared. I had never been away from home for longer than a month, nevertheless in a foreign country  where I could not even speak their everyday language. It was a time of great exploring in my life that could go wonderfully, or very badly.

I arrived by taxi at the huge gates at Dong men (东门). I recognised the boldly displayed Chinese characters "海南大学" and was reassured that I was on the right path. I looked with awe as we drove through the campus. From the coconut trees waving in the wind, to the wide green, stone decorated parks, it was as beautiful as the pictures in the brochures and website of the University.

When I arrived at the International College, I was greeted by the friendly face of A-yi and even though my communication was very limited they helped me settle in and made me feel comfortable. The admin staff were also so friendly, caring and genuinely wanting to assist. It was a lovely feeling knowing that the staff truly care about you.

So this would be my home for the next few months in my life. And indeed it is and was, one that I have fallen in love with. The people here are amazing. Many of the Chinese friends I have made here have been so friendly, helpful and caring. I am so grateful to them and think that I would have been lost without them! Though I have only known them for a short time, they have treated me like a life-time friend and made me feel at home. That is special and something you cannot find just anywhere.

The international friends that I have made here have been wonderful. It has been great meeting and getting to know people from all across the world, as we share our cultures, languages, experiences and friendships. We are bonded by our common goal of learning Mandarin. I believe the friendships that I have made here will last for a very long time.

I have started in A Ban （班）. Our class has 25 students from over 10 countries! Our teachers are great. They are so sweet and friendly towards us, always encouraging us to work hard. In the past two months I have been here, I have learnt so much.

Though I miss my family and friends back in South Africa, I am very happy at 海大 (Haida). This is an amazing experience and one that I wish everyone had the opportunity to have.

There are so many things that I will miss once I leave, but I will always remember and treasure the time that I have spent here at Haida.