YINCHUAN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- With graduation approaching, Indonesian student Maria Christina has been busy refining her resume and looking for jobs. Later this month, she will complete her master's degree in Chinese language and literature at Ningxia University in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.
"Teaching Indonesian in China will be my first choice," said the 28-year-old, adding that she has also considered returning to Indonesia to teach Chinese. "My connection with China and the Chinese language will surely continue."
Born in Kediri City in the province of East Java, Christina developed a fascination with China and its culture at an early age. She chose to major in Chinese language and literature in college before opting for two years of further study in Chongqing Municipality in southwest China in 2018.
"It's never easy to learn Chinese and a single word can carry different meanings just by different tones," Christina said.
Determined to master the language, she immersed herself in intensive pronunciation, reading and writing practice. She also improved her proficiency by singing Chinese songs and watching classic Chinese films and television dramas, which later helped her secure a job teaching Chinese in Bali.
However, the desire for a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and society drove her to pursue postgraduate studies in China in September 2023.
Beyond language learning, Christina embraced a wide range of traditional Chinese cultural activities, including calligraphy, paper-cutting and Tai Chi. In her spare time, she has enjoyed cycling at the foot of Helan Mountain, strolling in the city alleys, or traveling around the country on high-speed trains.
"The longer I live in China, the more I love this country," Christina said. "If possible, I want to learn more about China by finding a job here."
Over the years, many Indonesians have chosen to study, work and build careers in China as exchanges between the two countries continue to expand.
For Oliver Leo Waldi Purba, the journey has already lasted seven years.
After graduating with a degree in hotel management in Medan, North Sumatra province, the 33-year-old moved to China and has since worked in hotels in cities including Sanya in south China, Hangzhou in the east, southwest China's Chengdu, Lijiang, also in the southwest, and Yinchuan.
"People in my hometown always say that we need to learn more until we reach China, and I have truly harvested many unexpected surprises here," Purba said.
Working in China's hospitality industry has allowed him to interact with guests from diverse cultural backgrounds, broadening his horizons and helping him make new friends and develop fresh skills.
As a quick learner, Purba has mastered acrobatics, developed an interest in Mahjong and regularly practices traditional Chinese fitness exercises called Baduanjin.
Now, as a cultural entertainment manager at a wine-themed hotel in Yinchuan, he has fallen in love with the local wine culture.
Ningxia, known as a golden zone for grape cultivation and high-end wine production, is increasingly attracting visitors from around the world via its wine tourism. This summer, more tourists are expected to visit the vineyards to enjoy a tipsy, relaxing time with fine wine.
"I'll show them around the vineyard, organize a wine tasting in the cellar, teach water sports to stretch the body and host a special ceremony to ignite the summer night," said Purba.
Looking ahead, Purba plans to continue to work and live in China. "Maybe I'll find my love here someday," he joked.
For Christina, as China-Indonesia exchanges continue to deepen, there is reason to be even more optimistic about the broad opportunities stemming from bilateral educational cooperation, and she hopes to put what she has learned into practice.
"Whether it is to help young Chinese learn Indonesian, or to take back the knowledge and stories I've learned in China, both are things I am willing to do," she said.
Inspired by Christina, her younger brother also came to China to pursue his postgraduate studies in tourism management at Yangzhou University in the east of the country.
"Mastering Chinese means more possibilities. Both of us hope to contribute to the friendly exchanges between China and Indonesia," Christina said. ■
