"Laowai" in China | Nigerian student pursues medical dreams in China

CHANGSHA, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Ekpene Mabel Solomon, 21, was born in Nigeria and is now a junior student majored in clinical medicine at Changsha Medical University. Before coming to China, Ekpene had learned about traditional Chinese culture through television and the internet and become deeply interested in it. In 2022, she passed a selection exam and won a scholarship to study at the university.

After enrollment, she has studied a wide range of subjects including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) history and Baduanjin, a traditional form of Chinese aerobic exercise known for its health benefits. With outstanding grades, Ekpene was awarded the 2023-2024 Hunan provincial scholarship for international students.

During her studies in China, she enjoys visiting museums and traveling to deepen her understanding of Chinese culture. In her spare time, the fashion-loving girl also creates makeup and lifestyle videos on social media.

Though three more years to go until graduation, Ekpene has already mapped out her future plans. She hopes to stay in China for further studies, and then return to her country to contribute to the healthcare.