Cuban Young Man: I am a Good Chinese Language Learner

Dario comes from Cuba and loves Chinese culture, especially ancient Chinese poetry. He is proficient in Chinese, English, and Spanish.

Photo by Liu Xiaomin, an all-media reporter of Changsha Evening News

Three years ago, Cuban boy Dario who knew nothing about China followed his parents from Havana to Changsha to study abroad. Three years later, he was deeply attracted by Chinese culture and the unique charm of Changsha. He has become a good Chinese speaker, and almost got full marks in Chinese proficiency test. In addition, the 17-year-old boy recently received pre-admission letters from world-renowned universities such as King's College London, the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Tsinghua University. He said that his dreams set sail from Changsha, and hopes to further his study in Tsinghua University, and to stay in China after graduation.

Fluent Chinese backed by diligence and persistence 

Dario said that in 2021, his parents were introduced as high-end talents to China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center in Yongzhou , and brought him to Hunan from Havana, the capital of Cuba. At that time, he was only 14 years old, and knew nothing about China except her name, let alone speaking Chinese. His parents sent him to Changsha WES Academy opened for foreign personnel's children, and returned to work in Yongzhou. In a foreign country, the boy was challenged by foreign language and parents' absence. However, the teachers and classmates taught him the first Chinese expression as "hospitable".

"My classmates were worried that I would feel lonely due to language barrier, so they tried their best to help me," said Dario. When he realized that Chinese was far from his mother tongue, he got interested in it. He always stays intent at Chinese language classes, and, after class, he practices Chinese with teachers and students, listens to audio and Chinese songs, and watches Chinese movies... After three years of hard work and practice, he can speak fluent Chinese, and got 282 points (full mark as 300) in HSK 5 test. 

Want to work in the promising China

When his Chinese proficiency improves, Dario has gained a deeper understanding of China and developed a strong interest in Chinese culture through extracurricular reading and research.

Dario calls himself a Chinese fan. "My favorite poet is Tao Yuanming, and his Return to Nature really touched me." In addition, Dario likes On the Stork Tower and The Analects of Confucius, and often encourages himself with the words "Ascend another storey for a further sight retrospect and prospect" and "gain new knowledge by reviewing old". After graduating from high school this year, he plans to read Ordinary World and Haizi's poetry collection in summer holiday.

As a "new Changsha resident" who has lived in Changsha for over three years, Dario is attracted by unique local charm. Once, he and his parents even made a special trip to the Yuelu Academy, which represents the culture of Hunan, to explore the ancient site where "outstanding talents of Hunan gather". "Changsha is a beautiful city with good public security and much fine food, such as Stinky tofu, meat fried with chili peppers, and large sausage. I like them very much." Dario, a Changsha lover, has a clear plan when facing the important choice of life, namely, to choose a university for further study after graduating from high school.

Last December, the Tsinghua University he applied to invited him for an interview. On its campus, the term "luck" struck him. Actually, he owned both luck and strength. After comprehensive assessment, he received a pre-admission notice for the Electronic Information major at Tsinghua University.

In addition, other world-renowned universities such as King's College London, the University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology also sent him "offers" during this period. Among them, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology offers a full scholarship.

When it comes to plans, Dario said that China is developing rapidly, and he and his family are very optimistic about China. He hopes to complete his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral studies at Tsinghua University, and work for well-known Chinese companies such as Huawei after graduation.