Fourteen Ni-Vanuatu students preparing to begin university studies in China have been urged to embrace the challenges of learning a new language, adapting to a different education system and living in an unfamiliar culture.
The students, who will study at universities across China, including in Shanghai, Jiangsu and Beijing, received pre-departure advice last week, including from Delinson “Delly” Tari, a former Chinese scholarship recipient who spent six years studying in China.
Tari was invited by the Chinese Embassy to share her experience with the new scholarship recipients and lessons from her time at Zhejiang University, where she completed a degree in Education.
Speaking to the students, Tari said studying in China had been one of the most transformative experiences of her life, exposing her to a different education system, culture, language and way of seeing the world.
“It is truly an honour to be invited back to share my journey with students who are now preparing to take the same step that I once took,” she said.
“I hope that by sharing my experiences, the lessons I learned, and some of the challenges I faced, I can give you a better idea of what to expect and perhaps offer some encouragement as you begin your own journey.”
Tari, who returned to China last month for a 10-day seminar, said one of her first challenges had been learning to use Chinese in everyday life.
“Before I left, I had learned enough Chinese from USP to say a few words, and I left Vanuatu feeling fairly confident about it. But I quickly realised that knowing a few phrases is very different from actually listening to and using the language every single day,” she said.
“Chinese got a lot more complex once it wasn’t just something I studied, but something I had to live in.”
She said being surrounded by the language every day ultimately helped her learn faster.
“Don’t panic if the reality feels harder than what you prepared for. That’s normal, and it’s actually a sign that you’re being pushed in the right direction,” Tari said.
“As long as you stay focused and put in the work during your language year, you learn faster than you expected.”
She encouraged the students to take their Chinese language studies seriously from the beginning, saying the language would help them make friends, communicate in everyday situations and adapt to life in China.
Tari also recalled the difference between her workload at USP Emalus in Vanuatu and what she experienced at university in China.
“Before I left, I was at USP Emalus here in Vanuatu, taking four courses at a time. To me, four courses felt like a lot, but in China, ‘a lot’ meant something else entirely. It meant eight or more courses a semester, sometimes even up to 12,” she said.
Her advice was to complete as much coursework as possible in the first two years.
“Take as many courses as you can in your first and second years of university. Your final year should belong to your thesis only, as that is hard enough on its own,” she said.
She also encouraged the students to ask whether their universities offered courses in English and not to be afraid to speak up or ask for help.
“You will not get anywhere if you keep to yourself,” she said.
Tari’s other advice was to take their conduct and professional relationships seriously during classes and internships.
“Watch how you carry yourself. During your classes or internships, show up on time, work hard, and be willing to learn. And don’t be afraid to show your work,” she said.
“I’ve seen people being offered jobs by the very organisations they interned with. I’ve seen companies hire right from school fairs. I have many of my international friends working for big companies such as Huawei because they are well-spoken and excellent at building relationships.”
She encouraged the students not to underestimate small opportunities.
“So I encourage you not to look down on the little things you do. Think big,” Tari said.
During her recent trip to China, Tari took part in the Young Leaders of Friendly Organizations in Oceania Seminar, which brought together young people from across the Pacific to discuss leadership and their role in building relationships between their countries and China.
She said meeting young people from across the region reminded her that studying in China was also about becoming part of a wider Pacific community.
“What stayed with me most wasn’t the lectures, it was the people. Talking with them made me realise something I hadn’t fully understood before: this isn’t just about me, you or Vanuatu going to China for an education,” she said.
“There is a huge community of Pacific students in China right now, from Fiji, from Tonga, from Samoa, from all over our region, all learning, all growing, all working towards the same thing.”
“Bettering our islands. And China knows this. China sees what we’re building and is standing behind us as we do it.”
She told the students they would not be alone while studying thousands of kilometres from home.
“When you go, you’re not just representing Vanuatu, you’re joining a whole network of Pacific people who are quietly, steadily, shaping the future of our region together, thousands of miles from home,” Tari said.
“So you won’t be alone. You will have your brothers and sisters from all across the Pacific there with you.”
Tari said her experience in China had been about more than earning a degree.
“Studying in China was never just about the degree. It was about immersion, language, culture, and friendships that cross oceans, not only with the Chinese people who host us, but with our own Pacific brothers and sisters we meet along the way,” she said.
As the students prepare to leave for China, Tari encouraged them to complete their academic and language requirements early and make time to explore their surroundings.
“Get your coursework and language requirements out of the way early. And then go explore. Learn the language properly and talk to people,” she said.
“It’s OK to get a little lost. You are always safe. Say yes to the things that scare you a bit. Travel around China and build your friendships. That’s where the real growth happens, and that’s where you’ll find the community that will carry you through it.”
She said university would also give the students opportunities to meet people from around the world.
“In your university, you are not just meeting people from China, you will be meeting people from all over the world. That’s what China is offering you here, the world at your fingertips.”
Tari said she remained grateful for her time at Zhejiang University, the culture she was welcomed into, the language she learned and the opportunity to represent the Pacific at the recent seminar.
“My hope is that all of you, standing where I once stood, will go and do the same,” she said.
“There will be challenges along the way, but don’t be afraid of them. They are part of the journey and part of what will help you grow.
“Study hard, stay open-minded, respect the culture, make new friends, learn the language, explore whenever you can, and most importantly, enjoy the experience.
“I hope that when you eventually return home, you will come back not only with your degrees, but with new skills, new perspectives, meaningful friendships, and stories that you will be proud to share.”
Tari thanked the Chinese Embassy for the opportunity to share her experience and wished the students a safe journey and successful studies in China.
The Chinese Embassy also invited table tennis player Tracy Mawa, who recently returned from training in China, and a student from Central School in Port Vila to perform during the event, with the student singing in Chinese.
