It was a sunny afternoon in Lusaka, Zambia's capital, when 18-year-old Mercy Banda attended an orientation meeting to discover her pathway of studying abroad.
LUSAKA, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- It was a sunny afternoon in Lusaka, Zambia's capital, when 18-year-old Mercy Banda attended an orientation meeting to discover her pathway of studying abroad.
The event was organized by Wensi Recruitment Agency, a Zambian company that has helped more than 200 youths from Zambia to access global education over the past decade.
"I am nervous about the trip and being away from home for four long years. But I am also excited about the new environment and look forward to great opportunities ahead," Banda said.
Banda, who hails from Kitwe in Copperbelt Province, is set to embark on a journey to study civil engineering at a university in Beijing.
"I believe that studying in China will provide me with the practical skills I need to succeed in my career. China is known for its impressive infrastructure and engineering feats, and I want to learn from the best," Banda explained.
Becoming one of the top civil engineers in Zambia is Banda's dream, as the 18-year-old holds faith in the potential of the profession to enhance her country's infrastructural development. Studying in China, Banda said, would help her achieve that goal.
Like Banda, a growing number of young Zambians have set their sights on China to pursue tertiary education, as the Asian country boasts a rapidly evolving educational landscape and a curriculum prioritizing practical skills.
The Chinese education system is known for its rigorous academic standards and a strong emphasis on research and development, making it an appealing choice for students seeking to gain a competitive edge in their fields.
Lydia Kabwe, a 17-year-old from Lusaka who recently completed her secondary education, is also looking forward to furthering her study in China.
"I want to study economics and business management, and I believe that learning in China will give me a unique perspective on global markets," she explained.
The booming interest in Chinese universities among Zambian youths can be attributed to several factors.
The affordability of education in China, coupled with the availability of scholarships for international students, makes it a viable option for many Zambian families.
In addition, the Chinese government has been actively promoting its educational institutions to attract more foreign students.
Moreover, the hands-on approach of Chinese education resonates with the aspirations of Zambian youths who are eager to acquire skills that can be directly applicable to their future careers.
"Just this semester, we were able to help 15 Zambian youths to go and study in China and only seven to Europe. That tells you that there is a growing interest to study in China," said Wensi Recruitment Agency proprietor Webby Sinyangwe. ■