I’M Manon Denis from France. I’m 21 years old, and I’m from a big family: my dad, my mom, my twin sister and two other sisters. I’m currently studying Chinese at Sichuan University.

 

Bond with China

 

Back in 2014 when I was in senior high, I had a chance to visit China with my classmates and teacher. I went to Shanghai, Suzhou, and Beijing, and I fell in love with Chinese culture, especially Chinese cuisine and its people. Unfortunately, the tour only lasted for 10 days. I was so reluctant to go back to France after getting immersed in a wonderful new culture and new life.

 Manon Denis, a 21-year-old French student at Sichuan University.

 

I knew little about Chinese culture when I was a high school student, but I was interested in it. As a consequence, I enrolled in the University Paris Nanterre and studied Chinese there after graduation from senior high. According to university policy, I had to have an internship in a foreign country before graduation. I unhesitatingly chose China. In September 2017, I started my second trip to China and studied Chinese in Beijing, my favorite Chinese city as it is home to many cultural attractions like the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and an array of museums. Local cuisine is especially mouth-watering, and Beijing roast duck is my favorite dish. I like the climate in Beijing, too. In winter, it rarely rains, but the sky is always clear and shiny. Regardless of the temperature that can drop as low as 10 degree below zero Celsius, I have a heated passion for the city in winter.

 

In January 2018, I completed my studies in Beijing and returned to France. Keeping the country on my mind, I registered for classes at a local Confucius Institute. Luckily, it helped me realize the dream of pursuing further studies in China. In September, I was accepted by Sichuan University.

 

Campus Life

 

I live in the dormitory building exclusive for foreign students, where we have access to an array of daily amenities. My roommate is from Russia, and we talk a lot about differences between France and Russia, which is great fun. We watch Chinese TV shows on weekends. My latest obsession is Meteor Garden.

 

I have an extensive amount of Chinese classes covering listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities. The classes are very interesting. The teachers are Chinese, and they will adapt the syllabus to the demands of us foreign students. Sometimes, they are easy, but other times very challenging. We are exposed to new knowledge on a daily basis, and frequent quizzes help me improve a lot. The happy learning experience gives me a great sense of achievement.

 

Another benefit of the campus life is that I can make a lot of foreign friends. I have classmates from 11 countries, including Russia, Nepal, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Italy, and Germany, all of which enables me to learn about new cultures every day. For example, I have many friends from Nepalese who often cook in the dormitory. I’m lucky enough to try some Nepalese dishes at their invitation. Of course, I have made many Chinese friends too. I found that Chinese people are very nice to foreigners, and they helped me a lot.

 

Differences Between China and France

 

There are many differences between China and France. For instance, French rarely eat spicy food, during my first week in Sichuan, I was startled by the mouth-numbing spicy Sichuan hotpot. My Chinese friends told me that that was just the first part of Chengdu flavor, and that I would grow addicted to it very soon. After a few tries, I found they were right. Now, I have become a super fan of Sichuan cuisine.

Jinmen, the starting point of the Southern Silk Road in Sanhechang, Chengdu. 

 

Another difference lies in public transport. People often arrive at their destination late if they take buses in France. By contrast, public transport is a reliable and easy way of commuting in Chengdu. I usually take buses when I go to work or school.

 

What impresses me most is the convenience of online shopping. I like buying clothes and books on Taobao, China’s popular online marketplace, as they are much cheaper than those in France. I usually go to the university canteen or eat out, but when the weather is not good, or I get tired of canteen food, I will order some food on my phone via an app for takeout and have it delivered to my door. The price is even cheaper. In France, on the other hand, there are no such mobile applications available.

 

Chengdu is a city boasting profound culture. There are many cultural destinations like the Wenshu Temple and Daci Monastery, which I love to visit. I can always discover something interesting and have a better understanding of Chinese culture, which is a totally different experience from that in France. What’s more, street food in Chengdu is especially tantalizing. Vendors also provide free samples, which will never happen in France.

 

China’s transportation is well-developed, and traveling by train is especially convenient and cost-effective. Therefore, I travel a lot with my foreign friends. Historic cities with cultural profundity like Luoyang and Xi’an are mesmerizing to me. There are so many other beautiful cities across China. I am very lucky to study in China, and will take the chance to visit as many attractions as possible.

 

Future Expectations

 

As it happens, my parents don’t understand why I came to study in China as they don’t know much about China, as is the case with many French people. They have never visited a single Asian country. Despite this, they support me in pursuing my passion. My father plans to visit me in Chengdu this year, and I am looking forward to showing my life in China to him and taking him to experience China.

 

At present I don’t have a clear career plan, but I’m sure it involves China somehow. Chengdu residents and I are kindred spirits as we are all passionate about delicious food. I’m good at making desserts. I heard Chinese people love baguette, but I have not found a French bakery in Chengdu. Maybe, one day, I will start such a bakery here.

 

I am happy in Chengdu. I have a lot of Chinese and foreign friends, with whom I can communicate in Chinese. I am homesick, but I feel content with my life here. I want to tell my friends and parents far away in France, “I’m doing great in Chengdu.”