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Nimeshi Perera shares her experience of being the first Sri Lankan student at Yanshan University in China, from finding her place on an international campus to introducing fellow students to Sri Lankan culture.
When I first entered Yanshan University, the first thing I noticed was the flags.
There were so many of them. More than 40 countries were represented, and each flag seemed to tell its own story.
But there was no Sri Lankan flag.
Then I realised why.
I was the only Sri Lankan student there.
I don’t think I will ever forget what it felt like to be the first Sri Lankan student at Yanshan University. The university has 106 years of history and around 40,000 students, so knowing that my name was now part of that history made the experience feel even more special.
“History made. 1st Sri Lankan Student at Yanshan University. 106 years of legacy among 40,000 students, and now my name is part of it. Feeling so proud.”
The scholarship that made it possible
Studying in China was a big step for me. One of the things that made it possible was Yanshan University’s Presidential Scholarship.
The scholarship covered my tuition and accommodation and also included a monthly allowance. That took away a lot of the financial worry I had when I first thought about studying abroad.
It meant I could concentrate more on my studies instead of constantly worrying about how I was going to manage the cost.
Looking back, it felt like an opportunity that was there in front of me. I just needed the courage to take it.
Life beyond the classroom
University life, of course, isn’t only about lectures and exams.
The professors have been one of the things I have appreciated most at Yanshan. They have a lot of knowledge and experience, and they bring that into the classroom rather than simply standing there and giving a lecture.
The counselors and staff have also made a difference. Being in a new country can be strange at first, but having people around who are friendly, approachable and willing to help makes things much easier.
Living on campus has been another part of the experience. The accommodation is fully furnished, and the university has modern facilities and a large campus where there is plenty of space to study and focus.
They also pay attention to students’ wellbeing. There is psychological support, regular check-ins and workshops that focus on maintaining a healthy balance while studying.
Bringing Sri Lanka to Yanshan
One of the memories I will probably carry with me for a long time is taking part in a cultural event at the university.
I was there on my own, representing Sri Lanka.
There was no big Sri Lankan group behind me. No committee. No delegation. Just me, along with our handicrafts, food, traditional dress and culture.
I also performed a Sri Lankan traditional dance.
Students from Bangladesh, Pakistan, the United States and several African countries stopped to watch. Some were curious and asked questions about Sri Lanka and our traditions.
I honestly didn’t expect that much interest when I first went there.
But that was what made the experience special. Being the only Sri Lankan wasn’t something I had to feel uncomfortable about. Instead, it gave me an opportunity to tell people about where I come from and introduce them, even in a small way, to Sri Lankan culture.
A campus full of different languages
Another thing I enjoy about Yanshan is how international the campus feels.
I have had the opportunity to take Mandarin classes, go on weekend temple trips and spend time with students from different parts of the world.
The dormitories are especially interesting.
You can walk down a corridor and hear people speaking different languages. Sometimes two people who have never met before start talking, and that conversation can continue late into the night.
When you are far away from home, those small things really matter.
At first, being in a completely different environment can make you feel like a stranger. But the more people you meet and the more experiences you share, the more comfortable you become.
“Now? I’m not lonely. I’m distinct.”
Why not be the first?
Being both the first and the only Sri Lankan student at Yanshan has changed the way I look at studying abroad.
I came here to study, but I have also had the chance to meet people from parts of the world I might never otherwise have encountered. At the same time, I have been able to introduce some of them to Sri Lanka.
There are more than 40 flags on this campus. For a long time, there wasn’t one representing Sri Lanka.
Now there is.
So, to any Sri Lankan student thinking about taking that first step towards an international education, I would say this:
“Forty-plus flags flew here. Now the lion roars too. Someone has to be first. Why not you?”
Being thousands of kilometres away from home has taught me that studying abroad is about more than simply getting a degree. For me, it has also been about adjusting to a new environment, meeting people from different parts of the world and carrying a little bit of Sri Lanka with me along the way.
By Nimeshi Perera
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