A Case Study of 3 Fijian Students Studying in China

Reported by Joseph Veramu
 For this article I interviewed 3 students namely Luke Atama, Remo Cevalawa and Penitati (Ben) Nasenaicagi who are currently studying in China. Like many other Fiji students, they had applied for Chinese Government scholarships and were fortunate to have been successful recipients. My questions centred around their experiences living and studying in China. Currently there are over 20 Fijian students studying in China.

(l-r) Ben, Luke and Remo

Student 1: Luke Atama
Luke writes that, “Ever since the day I arrived in China I have never been homesick. It may be due to the fact that I have been looking forward to such an amazing opportunity allowing me to prepare myself both physically, mentally and most of all spiritually. I have also been invited to a Chinese home as I have been teaching two kids in English.”

Luke Atama is currently studying at Jinzhou Medical University

Luke Atama is studying for an MBBS in Clinical Medicine. He has already spent 2 years in China. He explained that, “Going to China was much of a big deal for me as I saw it as a huge personal achievement. Coming from a small island, I was initially shell shocked by the immense buildings, the absolutely amazing sites and the huge population. It also took time for me to adjust to the language, the lifestyle and the environment. Time however is a great healer and tutor. I learnt to adapt very quickly.”

At the time of this interview he was in Jinzhou and had 5 to 6 years of studies left. He had studied 2 years of Chinese at Jinan. He says that he can now read Chinese characters “if they are the traditional ones and linked to the ones I had studied.”

Contact with the Chinese: “Chinese people are no different from people in Fiji. For example in Fiji, when we see, say an African walking down our street, we’d all be staring. Here in China I get the impression that people stare out of curiosity. When they stare at me, I take it in my strides realising that it’s not every day that they meet Fijians.  I suppose that if foreigners see staring as a bad habit then they might be offended. I am personally not offended.” Luke adds, “To be fair, the Chinese people I have come into contact with have been very welcoming despite the language barriers. They try their best to greet and welcome foreigners and I applaud them for their great effort.”

University studies: “The University which i attend had not only provided us with a great education but during classes, teachers elaborate about life in China and ways to adjust with it. However when dealing with studies, it is important that we have to maintain a good study attitude because things aren't the same as they are in Fiji. The culture is such that people have to work hard and we have to put great effort in our studies.” Luke adds that, “We scholarship students study our majors in Chinese (mandarin.) The first year is spent in studying the Chinese language and this study is integrated as we work on our majors.”

Internet connections “aren't much of a problem as the University provides wifi in the dormitories. In order to access social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Google, foreign students use an App called 'VPN' which provides access for any device (mobile or computer) to use the sites.”

Leisure time: “During our free time we either go out for leisure activities or travel to other cities and explore their famous sites.” Luke adds that, “Since we are under Chinese scholarship studies, we are given a very healthy sum of allowance every month, thus using this to purchase both our needs and wants as well as for other activities.”

Student 2: Remo

Remo Cevalawa came to China in early 2017 and is studying the Chinese language at Jinan. He is now at Nanjing for his major in Agriculture.

In Fiji, Remo did part time modelling while still a high school student and was very active in youth outdoor activities maintaining a robust interest in hiking, swimming and the general outdoor life. These interests made his social media posts very interesting and he had monster size ‘likes’ on his Facebook timeline, for example.

Remo is studying Agriculture in China

Remo sees his time studying in China as an adventure as he goes through his life’s journey. He is deeply appreciative that he is studying in a cultural setting that is dynamic and forward looking. He believes that this is a rare opportunity and he should not shy away from understanding Chinese culture, science and technology. He wants to absorb himself in the sights, sounds and general experiences of China.

He tends to see the positive side of his experiences. For example, whenever he travels by bus or train (and buys tickets) or buys things from shops he has to communicate in Chinese. “You'd be lucky if they speak English. The majority don’t speak English so we have to speak in Chinese. It may be troublesome but it’s a good way in improving our oral Chinese. “

Remo admits that many Chinese stare at him but he concedes that it is not every day that Chinese people see students from Fiji. He feels that the important issue to appreciate is that they are staring out of curiosity rather than spite and it is a natural reaction for anyone in any part of the world encountering people of different skin colours, languages and mannerisms for the first time. “Occasionally some will see us and say 'Hello'. But if we meet our Chinese friends or even teachers then we do have a conversation.”

Remo has built up strong friendships with other foreign students from the Pacific and other developing nations studying in China.

(l-r) Ben, Remo and Luke
Remo is witty and sometimes has a dry sense of humor. “Total paparazzi!” he quips. This means that when some Chinese stare at him on the streets he feels like a celebrity!
“Yeah!” Luke agrees.
“Or they could be thinking to themselves ‘This guy is so handsome. He would be a suitable match for my daughter Bao' lol” I joke.
“Maybe for Luke,” Remo says.
“Please be honest I can send over some tabua! (whales tooth used in traditional presentations)” I write.
“Don't forget the Kava,” Remo reminds me.
“No way!” I respond,
“People might fall in love with the kava! Lol” Luke quips.
Ben who is known in Fiji by the nickname, “Mr President,” for his snappy blazers and fashionable dressing sense adds, “I’m in China to concentrate on studies.”
No one takes the bait to say something witty.
After the jokes have died down, the reality is that they are all in China to study and come back to Fiji with degrees. 

Student 3: Ben

Ben came to China in early 2017 and studied Chinese at Beijing. He has moved to Xian to study for his major in Aeronautical Engineering. Ben was known in youth circles for his strong values and always stood out in formal youth gatherings because he came formally dressed in blazers and always spoke in a polite and friendly way as he articulated his strong values.

China experiences: He admits that when he first set foot in China he was “scared at first but then I am adapting to the new environment I am in.”

Coming from Fiji with a population of less than a million, he had to get used to the culture shock of living in a country with over a billion people.

In Fiji he could be riding a bus for an hour or more or walking and not see anyone else but in China there are people everywhere. Wherever he turns, there are always people. Although he has to get used to the presence of so many people, it is also reassuring because the people are law abiding and he feels safe even though he is very far from Fiji.

“How have the Chinese public treated you?
“Just like in Fiji, some are very friendly and really kind while the others stare as they go about their business.”

Has your University been helpful in helping you adjust to life and studies?

“Yes they have been absolutely helpful especially the teachers who are really kind and it has really helped me in my learning.”

Although he is studying the written and spoken Chinese language, Ben sees this as a learning challenge to be overcome. “China is a global leader and it is important to understand their language and culture. I like it that when I learn Chinese I am also learning the strong values of hard work, being caring and working as a team.”

Life is good for Ben in China; “In my free time I play football with my friends, go to the library to study, converse with some of my Chinese friends in Chinese and visit places. The great thing about China is that with so much to see and do, you can’t get bored!” Ben adds that they receive a monthly Chinese scholarship allowance that is more than adequate for his needs.

And if you feel homesick sometimes, what do you do? I ask.

“No problems,” Ben says, “International phone connections are awesome here. I just pick up my phone and ring home!”