Osamah Mohammed Ali Harab Gubran: Now I am able to help others

Editor’s Note

Hongjie, full name Osamah Mohammed Ali Harab Gubran, is a 2025 intake student of the pre-university program at China University of Geosciences (CUG). He had zero foundation in Chinese before arriving in China. Seven months later, he scored 292 points in the HSK Level 4 exam. Yet more valuable than this score is a truth he has learned in China: those who have received help know best how to give help to others. He set up a Yemeni study group, providing translation, tutoring and mutual learning support for Arabic-speaking students. Upon completing his pre-university program, he will pursue his bachelor’s degree in Safety Engineering at Wuhan University of Technology starting this September.

From Yemen to China

Before coming to China, my understanding of the country mainly came from books and the internet. I knew China had achieved rapid progress in science and technology, economy and education. However, what ultimately drove me to choose China was documentaries on its technological advances, which showcased remarkable breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, mobile payment and transportation. I wanted to experience these transformations in person and get to know this dynamic nation steeped in long-standing history with my own eyes.

Later, I learned about the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) program. This opportunity did not come by chance. As early as two years ago, I began preparing for my overseas study dream: I strove to improve my academic performance and comprehensive capabilities, and fully prepared for the national international study selection examination. After rounds of rigorous screening, I was shortlisted as one of the program candidates. In the final assessment, I ranked fourth across the province and earned the right to independently pick my destination country for further study.

I was overwhelmed with excitement and pride the moment I received the result. It stands as one of the happiest and most unforgettable moments of my life. Before my departure, I looked forward eagerly to my upcoming studies abroad. I was curious about the daily lives of Chinese people, how traditional culture integrates with modern technology, and the distinctions between different cities. Above all, I hoped to witness China’s high-speed rail network, modern urban construction, and real-world applications of technology in daily life.

My First Days at CUG

After arriving at CUG, everything presented a challenge to me. I had absolutely no prior knowledge of Chinese before coming to China. At the very beginning of my Chinese classes, I hesitated to speak for fear of making mistakes. Yet I resolved to persevere: I memorized vocabulary every day, practiced listening drills, read texts aloud repeatedly, jotted down confusing points and sorted them out after class.

I met many dedicated, patient teachers here. Once, my class advisor asked how a sick classmate was feeling. I meant to say “we offered him something to eat”, but accidentally said “we ate him”. My classmates and the teacher all laughed. Instead of correcting me on the spot, she simply gave me a chance to rephrase my sentence. After that incident, I grew willing to voice my thoughts actively and communicate in Chinese even when I was not fully confident. Gradually, my listening and speaking skills improved remarkably.

In the second semester, I aimed to pass the HSK Level 5 exam as soon as possible. I spent four to five hours reviewing each day after class, which often made me late for morning lessons. My teacher told me she understood my enthusiasm for self-study, yet class attendance was mandatory per school regulations. Rather than punishing me, she permitted me to do self-study during class hours and shared this insight: Learning to find freedom within boundaries is also an important skill. That conversation greatly inspired me and taught me to take accountability for myself.

After seven months of study, I successfully passed the HSK Level 4 exam with a score of 292. This score of 292 is far from the finish line. I am now preparing for HSK Level 5, followed by HSK Level 6 and HSK Levels 7–9.

Growth

As my Chinese proficiency improved, a thought crossed my mind: what can I do to help others? At CUG, I have received immense support from teachers and fellow students. When I first arrived, I struggled with everything. It was my teachers who patiently corrected and encouraged me, and my classmates who practiced Chinese alongside me and made progress together. Having been blessed with such kindness, I felt an urge to pass it on.

I set up a Yemeni study group, consisting of fellow Yemeni students as well as learners from other Arabic-speaking countries. I shared my own Chinese learning strategies with them, helped them grasp vocabulary and grammar, and translated confusing materials. We supported one another and forged ahead as a group. Witnessing my friends make steady progress fills me with a strong sense of achievement.

One experience stands out most vividly in my memory. I was tasked with welcoming several newly arrived Yemeni freshmen in Wuhan. I accompanied them to campus to complete enrollment procedures, communicate with faculty teachers, verify personal information and fill out various documents. Throughout the whole process, I had to continuously explain matters and act as an interpreter in Chinese. The moment all formalities were finished, a powerful feeling welled up inside me: I was no longer the new student who relied entirely on others, but someone capable of using my language skills to help others resolve difficulties. 

I believe this is the most precious lesson I have learned in China: those who have received kindness know best how to give it to others. This thought planted a dream deep in my heart. If more cooperation can be established between China and Yemen in the future, could I take part in it? Could I contribute to the friendship, cultural exchanges and trade development linking our two countries?

Broader Horizons

The university has offered us a valuable platform to showcase diverse cultures and broaden our academic horizons. I once helped organize a Yemeni cultural exhibition, introducing Yemeni culture and traditions to teachers and students from all over the world. During the preparation, I gained a deeper understanding of my own culture and a stronger appreciation for the importance of communication and mutual respect across civilizations. Besides, I attended numerous lectures and academic exchange events held on campus, which greatly expanded my perspective.

During the Spring Festival, I traveled to multiple Chinese cities, including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Changsha, Yangzhou and several towns in the Jiangnan region. Each city left a unique impression on me: the international flair and modern dynamism of Shanghai, the prosperous business scene and open atmosphere of Guangzhou, and the profound history, rich culture and natural beauty of Jiangnan. These travels allowed me to witness China’s diversity and development firsthand, forming a more comprehensive understanding of the country.

This past year has taught me that growth takes place far beyond the classroom. From struggling with the language barrier at the very beginning to being able to study independently, communicate fluently and assist others today, I have not only improved my Chinese proficiency, but also built the ability to adapt to new surroundings and coexist harmoniously with people from varied cultural backgrounds.

Looking Back

Every bit of progress I have made over the past year would not have been possible without the platforms provided by the university and the thoughtful guidance of all teachers. To me, CUG is far more than an institute of higher learning. It marks the starting point where I came to know China, understand the world, and fulfill my potential. Here, I have gained knowledge, friendship, confidence and personal growth. When I first arrived, I relied on others for everything. Now, it is my turn to reach out and lend a hand to those in need.

In the coming semester, I will pursue my bachelor’s degree in Safety Engineering at Wuhan University of Technology. I hope to bring back all the knowledge and experience I have acquired to my homeland, and dedicate myself to Yemen’s development. Meanwhile, I aspire to serve as a bridge linking Yemen and China.

I am sincerely grateful to China for offering international students such valuable opportunities for growth, to CUG for its cultivation and support, and to every teacher and friend who has helped me along the way.

The road ahead is boundless and steep; I shall seek my truth unceasingly, far and wide.