Urumqi Expat
Urumqi City Video
Urumqi Expats – Life and Video
Urumqi Expats
Urumqi Expats – Living in Urumqi
Stephen Van der Berg, South Africa, English Teacher
Two years ago, Stephen Van der Berg from Johannesburg, South Africa, came to this beautiful land with a backpack and started his work as a foreign teacher. In two years, this beautiful city gave him friendship and joy.
Steven Van der Berg said: “I came to Urumqi and Xinjiang because I really want to understand the culture here, how it’s like to live with people of different nationalities, and it’s the farthest city from the sea, so I’m very curious.”
He works at an English training school in the Urumqi. Compared with his hometown of Johannesburg, he felt that Urumqi is more developed.
He said: “Urumqi is more developed than Johannesburg. I take the BRT every day. It is very punctual and the transportation is very convenient. The education facilities here are really good, the development is rapid, and the technology is advanced with many things done on mobile phones.”
In the meantime, he also felt the warmth of the city. He said: “One time, my colleague accompanied me to see a doctor. The doctors and nurses helped me patiently by translating the usage of the medicine into English and writing it on a note. It just feels great.”
He believes that Xinjiang, as the core area of ??the Silk Road Economic Belt, will inevitably usher in greater development opportunities in the next few years. Steven Van der Berg said: “All countries are connected to each other, and they can export and import goods from different countries, connecting the economic development of each country. I hope to invite more South African friends to work and develop in Xinjiang and Urumqi.”
【外国人眼中的乌鲁木齐】现代舒适的城市 温暖的“第二故乡”
Urumqi Expat
Yulia, Russia, Russian Teacher at Xinjiang University
Yulia has been teaching for more than two years in the School of Foreign Languages ??of Xinjiang University. In 2017, Yulia worked in the Russian Department of Xinjiang University Foreign Languages ??Institute. “I come from Altai State Technical University. Altai State Technical University and Xinjiang University have inter-university cooperation. The two sides send teachers to each other and accept foreign students from each other for further studies.” Yulia said.
Although she was a little uncomfortable when she first arrived in Xinjiang, with the help of her Chinese colleagues, she quickly adapted to the new environment. “This is my first time working abroad. The warmth and friendliness of my Chinese colleagues relieved me of pressure. The colleagues in the Russian Department of the School of Foreign Languages ??and the Russian Center showed great concern for me and made me feel at home.”
Understanding the cultures of different regions is also Yulia’s keen interest. She and her colleagues have been to Turpan, Tianshan Tianchi, and Urumqi Nanshan. She has also been to all the parks within the urban area of ??Urumqi. In Yulia’s WeChat Moments, you can often see her selfies and landscape photos in the park. “Xinjiang, China is a magical land, where you can see the scenery similar to my hometown, which makes me feel that I am not far from home.” Yulia said.
“Every Mid-Autumn Festival, my students will specially prepare mooncakes for me; on the Dragon Boat Festival, the children will send me delicious zongzi. The Chinese culture contained in the food in these traditional festivals also fascinates me.”
Yulia loves food. “I like Xinjiang’s pilaf, grilled steamed buns, barbecue, and large plate of chicken.” Yulia smiled and said, “I also specifically ask my Chinese colleagues for some food recipes, and I plan to have the opportunity to try them. “
In Urumqi, Red Mountain is one of Yulia’s favorite places to go. “When I stood on the top of the Red Mountain and looked into the distance for the first time, I never thought that Urumqi would be so big. This is an international metropolis, which is great.” Yulia said, “Everyone here is here. Working hard for a better life, I can see a better future for this city.”
【外国人眼中的新疆】“新疆一定会更繁荣”
Urumqi Expat
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