As an international student in Ningbo University, Gao Weiyi has been studying Chinese for more than seven years. In 2014, he majored in Chinese Studies at the University of Sofia, Bulgaria. Now, he can speak fluent Chinese.

　　Gao's Bulgarian name is Stoyan Valentinov Gegovski; Gao Weiyi is a Chinese name he adopted after starting Chinese Studies. In fluent Chinese, he explained, "Gao stands for the Chinese word gaoda (tall and grand), Wei stands for weida (great) and Yi stands for zhengyi (justice)."

　　The reason that Gao chose to major in Chinese Studies was because he found it "interesting". At first, he had trouble deciding which subject to major in and asked his father for advice.

　　Gao's father told him that China's economy has a strong momentum of development and recommended Chinese. Although he also considered history, he eventually decided on Chinese Studies.

　　Two years ago, he came to Ningbo University for his master's degree. "It is a good place with lots of people and young students. Also, there are beautiful green spaces with trees and flowers. It is pretty amazing," said Gao.

　　As an international student, he also contributes to the deepening of the rest of the world's understanding of China. Last year, he participated in the Maritime Silk Road Culture and Tourism Expo as a foreign language host. At the exhibition booth, he introduced specialty products from Central and Eastern European countries to visitors.

　　"If you asked anybody in China about Bulgaria, they will think about two things, Bulgarian rose and yogurt," said Gao. He describes his homeland as a country of countless beautiful rose gardens. Local people make rose oil and many other rose-based products with the flowers.

　　Moreover, there is a China Culture Center in Bulgaria's capital, Sofia. "It showcases how Ningbo, my country, and other countries in Central and Eastern Europe are cooperating together," he said.

　　By Gou Wen