On the first day of Chinese New Year in 2021, the then Governor of Hainan, Feng Fei, visited Hainan Normal University to greet faculty and students. Emilienne Charlotte, a student from Cameroon, performed a Chinese song "I Love You, China", which energized the crowd. Now, Charlotte's story in China has entered its ninth year.

First Impression: "China is a Great Country"

Charlotte's story with China began in the summer of 2016, when she was about to graduate with her bachelor's degree and was uncertain about her future. One day, she received a call from a friend in Cameroon, who was not only familiar with China's customs and culture but also spoke Chinese. "In Cameroon, there are few opportunities to learn Chinese, and I was immediately drawn to this unfamiliar language," Charlotte said. Through her friend's introduction, Charlotte went to the Confucius Institute in Cameroon to learn Chinese, attending classes two to three times a week. After nearly four months of study, she had already mastered basic conversational phrases.

In September 2016, at the age of 23, Charlotte graduated from the University of Cameroon and decided to pursue a degree in economics in China. "China is a great country that has made remarkable achievements in economic development. Studying there seemed like a promising choice," she said. Charlotte's Chinese teacher at the Confucius Institute happened to be from Hainan and, upon learning about her interest in studying economics in China, the teacher recommended Hainan as a destination.

When Charlotte shared her decision to study in China with her parents, they were hesitant at first due to their limited understanding of the country. However, as her father researched more about China, his views began to shift, and he helped persuade her mother. Eventually, Charlotte and a friend departed for Haikou, Hainan. From their hometown to Haikou, they had to transfer through six different flights.

Charlotte's decision has proven to be the right one. She has witnessed China's historic economic leap firsthand — especially the rapid rise of the Hainan Free Trade Port in recent years and the remarkable achievements in high-quality economic and social development, which have deeply inspired her. She believes that China's successful experience offers valuable lessons for other countries. Motivated by this belief, she actively studies China's innovative ideas and practical strategies, hoping to one day contribute to the development of Cameroon.

Charlotte approaches every academic challenge with great passion and perseverance. So far, she has written two articles in English and one in Chinese. Two of these works have been published — one in the SSCI journal Sage Open and the other in Hainan Daily.

Unforgettable: "Chinese Culture Captivates Me"

During her first three months in Hainan, Charlotte devoted herself to learning Chinese. "I was basically in self-imposed seclusion, studying Chinese every day. Hard work pays off — after three months, I passed the HSK Level 4 exam," she said. With a solid foundation in the language, she found herself deeply captivated by traditional Chinese culture — calligraphy, Qiongju opera, and Li brocade all fascinated her endlessly.

Charlotte takes cultural activities with classmates. [Photo/Hainan Normal University]

 "Chinese culture has truly captivated me, and the warmth and friendliness of the Chinese people have deeply moved me. Studying and living here has made me feel at home," Charlotte recalled her years of studying in Hainan. One Spring Festival, a classmate from Lingao invited her to celebrate the Chinese New Year with her family. They sat around the table enjoying the traditional New Year's Eve dinner together. The rich local customs and traditions made Charlotte feel less alone in a foreign land — and it was then that a bigger dream began to take root…

In 2018, Charlotte performed the song "Bless Our Motherland" at the 7th "Qiongzhou Cup" Chinese Language and Talent Competition for International Students. Her pronunciation was clear and precise, and her heartfelt performance was applauded by the audience. After rounds including image presentation, self-introduction and language talent display, she was awarded first prize in the competition.

In 2019, during the anniversary celebration gala at Hainan Normal University, Charlotte performed "I Love You, China" in Chinese, showcasing her deep affection for Chinese culture as an international student. Her performance resonated strongly with the audience and received high praise.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Charlotte, who stayed in Hainan, composed an original song to support China's fight against the pandemic. She released the song across various news platforms, with lyrics like: "Because we are friends, neighbors, and brothers, I am here. China, I am willing to offer what I can. No matter the distance, I will walk through hardship with you, stand by your side, and overcome the challenges together."

In 2021, Charlotte took part in the 5th "My Beautiful Encounter with China" essay and short video contest for international students and won the second prize.

Through these efforts, she tells China's stories in her own unique way, sharing the beauty of Chinese culture with the world.

Charlotte performs a song on stage. [Photo/Hainan Normal University]

Over the years, from sharing stories about China on social media to promoting the country through everyday conversations with fellow international students, Charlotte has consistently tried her best to help others understand China's history and its current development. By telling her own experiences — what she has seen, heard, and learned — she strives to present an objective and authentic image of China. Inspired by her, more and more international students in Hainan have become cultural ambassadors in their own right, actively contributing to the global spread of Chinese culture.

Looking Ahead: Becoming a Bridge for China-Africa Cultural Exchange

Looking back on her eight years in China, Charlotte spoke with deep emotion, "Without my experience in China, my life would be incomplete." She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her university for providing her with rich educational resources and excellent living conditions. Thanks to this support, she transformed from a complete beginner in Chinese into a confident undergraduate student, then went on to pursue a master's degree with determination and dedication. Along the way, she immersed herself in her studies, delved deeply into her field, and was awarded the Chinese Government Scholarship, the Confucius Institute Scholarship, and the Hainan Provincial Government Scholarship.

Charlotte has deeply felt the care and support China has given her. In return, she is committed to promoting Chinese culture, helping more people understand and appreciate the beauty of Chinese civilization. Through her actions, she embodies the Chinese saying, "A drop of water shall be returned with a spring."

However, Charlotte also understands that cultural exchange is not a one-way street — it requires mutual interaction and collaboration. In the future, she hopes to pursue a doctoral degree and, while continuing to share Chinese culture, establish a cultural company in Hainan. Her goal is to help more Chinese people learn about Cameroon and to contribute to fostering deeper China-Africa cultural exchange.

Charlotte talks with her teacher. [Photo/Hainan Normal University]

"I have a great passion for China-Africa cultural exchange and hope to build a bridge of cultural communication through my efforts, conveying a sense of social responsibility and mission. This will also provide support and help for my future doctoral studies and career planning," Charlotte said.

hainnu.edu.cn contributed to the story.