Ranarivelo Tojoniaina Pascal: Chinese Language Gave Me New Life Experience

"People often say that life is like a journey on a train. However, the Chinese language gave me a brand-new life experience at the age of 18," said Ranarivelo Tojoniaina Pascal, who currently studies at the Central University of Finance and Economics with the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship.

Came Across and Fell in Love with Chinese Language

Ranarivelo Tojoniaina Pascal from Madagascar loves Jackie Chan's movies since he was young, when he was deeply attracted by their visuals and was curious about the wonderful language.

When graduating from high school five years ago in 2015, he began learning Chinese. "After studying for a period, I found it more and more interesting." He owned his persistence to his strong interest in Chinese.

Unsatisfied with the poor Chinese language environment in Madagascar, Ranarivelo Tojoniaina Pascal sought various ways to contact Chinese language, such as watching Chinese movies, listening to Chinese songs, and chatting with some Chinese people living locally.

"Chinese teachers' pronunciation in class is quite standard, but Chinese businessmen working locally have a variety of accents. I was so happy when I found that I could communicate with them without obstacles, which enhanced my confidence to go further," said Ranarivelo Tojoniaina Pascal.

Guided by teachers and after more than a year of hard work, Ranarivelo Tojoniaina Pascal successfully passed the HSK Level 4 test. However, it couldn’t satisfy him, but nurtured his desire to study in China.

"Once I heard from my teacher that I could apply for the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship to study in China. Although I really wanted to go, I was not so confident in my ability, for my classmates who studied Chinese together were all very talented," recalled Ranarivelo Tojoniaina Pascal.

However, to his surprise, he successfully passed the interview and was admitted to the Chinese International Education program at Jiangxi Normal University. "I was extremely excited to hear the news, and immediately told my mom that I was going to study in China!"

Start a New Life in China

In September 2016, Ranarivelo Tojoniaina Pascal came to China for the first time. "In Madagascar, it is winter in September, while it's summer in China. My first impression of China is the extreme heat. Moreover, it was my first time leaving my family, so I was a bit uneasy."

However, cared and helped by Chinese teachers, Ranarivelo Tojoniaina Pascal gradually adapted to the life in China. "Teachers at Jiangxi Normal University showed us the utmost solicitude, and quickly familiarized us with the local environment."

In early 2017, Jiangxi Normal University held the Chinese Language Skills Competition for International Students, to which Ranarivelo Tojoniaina Pascal and his classmates actively registered. As a second prize winner, he participated for the national round on behalf of the University.

"I was particularly nervous on the day of the competition, for I was the only foreign student among the more than 300 contestants. Although I only won the third prize, I still felt very proud, and my teachers and classmates always encouraged me."

It was his debut in a national competition in China, which impressed him with deeper understanding of international Chinese language education and strengthened his belief to be a friendly envoy between Madagascar and China.

Improve Himself to Contribute to Madagascar-China Friendship

"Mastering Chinese alone is not enough to make greater contributions to friendly exchanges between the two countries, so I have started learning about international trade and business."

After graduating from Jiangxi Normal University, Ranarivelo Tojoniaina Pascal learned that the CLEC and the Central University of Finance and Economics had jointly established the "Chinese+" scholarship to encourage students with certain Chinese proficiency to study courses such as Chinese + Finance, Chinese + Asset Evaluation, Chinese + International Business, Chinese + Engineering and Program Management. He applied for this program to pursue a master's degree in Chinese + International Business.

"Although never been exposed to such courses before, I know international business could broaden my horizons and enrich my knowledge structure." Ranarivelo Tojoniaina Pascal said that it was somewhat difficult for him, but the teachers are very effective and attentive in teaching. He believes that efforts will definitely yield achievements.

When it comes to the future, Ranarivelo Tojoniaina Pascal said, "I have always dreamed to develop my country. The international business program I take in China is one of the ways to realize it."

Another dream of mine is to return to Madagascar to teach children and young people Chinese, and make new contributions to the friendship between the two countries."

To Chinese language learners from various countries, Ranarivelo Tojoniaina Pascal said, "There is no shortcut to success or satisfaction, but continuous efforts and improvement. May all the people achieve their dreams through the Chinese language!"