“When I came to China, I couldn’t speak Chinese at all. I’m not used to Chinese dishes. I drank cola and ate bread for two weeks constantly.” Pei Shangdi from Ghana said. Pei Shangdi remembered the date when he flew to Beijing----Sept. 2nd, 2009. Choosing China was influenced by his father and his friends who always make contact with Chinese. What they described made Pei curious to the distant country.

 

Only after 10 months, Pei can cope with daily life in China. He got a full scholarship and studies in The Department of Civil Engineering, Harbin Engineering University. Compared to the noisy big cities Beijing and Shanghai, Pei Shangdi said he preferred quiet Harbin. However, Ghana is over 10鈩?when it is coldest. Harbin’s cold climate makes Pei feel uncomfortable. “It has been three years and I still can’t adapt to Harbin’s winter.”

Every winter and summer vacation, Pei Shangdi will return to Ghana to earn extra money. He translates for Chinese building companies in Ghana. “I not only earn round-trip travelling expenses but also have many chances to contact with Chinese.” Pei thought all of his experience has helped him a lot.

 

During the 3 years in China, what attracts Pei most is Chinese tradition and Chinese culture. Pei feels very astonished when seeing Chinese wear red at a wedding. In Ghana, people only wear red at a funeral. “Many Ghanaians are distorted to Chinese. I thought Chinese are short while after I come to China I found many Chinese are tall. Every time when I go back home, I will tell them what I know about the Chinese. Let them know the real China.”

Pei Shangdi who is going to graduate wants to look for an engineer’s job. “Living in Harbin is very pleasant. Although in Ghana I can find a good job, I am reluctant to leave here.” Pei’s younger brother chose Department of Civil Engineering, Harbin Engineering University to study influenced by his brother. “My younger brother comes here. It’s convenient for me to take care of him.”