Two Uzbek youths open their future in Anhui

Entering the chemical laboratory of Anhui University of Technology, two young men from Uzbekistan were diligently conducting an experiment on hydrogen production through water electrolysis. They were Alex and Max, international students of the university’s 2025 cohort, who had traveled thousands of miles to China to pursue their dreams on this land.

Before coming to China, Alex and Max had learned about the country through books and the internet, knowing it was a modern nation with relatively developed infrastructure. However, when they actually set foot on this land, the reality surpassed their expectations. “I knew China was big and modern, but when I arrived, I saw the technology and speed – very good.” Max described his first impression.

What moved Alex the most was the innate warmth of the Chinese people. He shared that during his time in Uzbekistan, he had heard that if you asked for help from a Chinese, they would assist you until the issue was fully resolved. Upon arriving in China, he found this to be true—the “Chinese warmth” made him deeply touched.

Language was once Max’s biggest concern. When he first arrived in China, he worried that Chinese was extremely difficult to learn and might become a major obstacle in his future studies. But after enrolling at Anhui Tech, he noticed that all his classmates could communicate in English, which gradually eased his worries. “At the beginning I was scared. But now it’s good.” he said, learning Chinese alongside his classmates and making progress together.

When it comes to Chinese culture, Alex’s admiration is evident. His career aspirations further bind the future of China and Uzbekistan closely together. He hopes to work in the government’s trade department, focusing on the commercial relations between Uzbekistan and China. “China has become our country’s most important trading partner in recent years,” he said earnestly.

Looking ahead, Max has a grand aspiration: to bring back what he has learned, seen, and felt in China to his homeland. “I will come back to my country. I want to share the culture, the developing skills, and the technology.” He hopes to serve as a bridge for cultural exchange between China and Uzbekistan, sharing China's development experience with his compatriots.

From Uzbekistan to China, from initial nervousness to present fulfillment, the story of Max and Alex is a vivid microcosm of Sino-Uzbek educational cooperation and youth exchanges. At Anhui University of Technology, an increasing number of international students like them are gaining knowledge, friendship, and growth here.

Watch the video to learn about the stories of two Uzbek youth studying in China.

The “Me in China” series focuses on foreigners working, studying, and living in China, sharing their stories in the country. Stay tuned!