Salman Raha: China is my second hometown

（People's Daily Online）  10:05, December 03, 2012

The 26-year-old Salman Raha, whose Chinese name is "Xiaobei", is an Afghan student studying in Taiyuan University of Technology (TUT). In 2008, a Confucius Institute with the fund aid of TUT was launched at Kabul University in Afghanistan. After passing a strict screening of the Confucius Institute, Salman Raha became a TUT student who won the scholarship from Chinese government.

For Salman's part, Chinese is a kind of "beautiful" language. "My family is not rich. I am proud of learning Chinese language. It not only helps me to find a job, but also provides me a good opportunity to learn Chinese culture," Salman said.

In the past two years, Salman visited the Pingyao ancient town and the Yungang Grottoes in the province. He liked Shanxi's wheaten food and hotpot dinner. He also made friends with a lot of local people.

Besides delicious food and beautiful scenery, the friendship of Chinese people is also unforgettable for the Afghan student. "Receiving the first gift from Chinese friend, exchanging hometown dainty food with local students and taking part in sports competition in the campus remain fresh in my memory," Salman said.

Before returning to his hometown in Afghanistan, Salman said, "China is my second hometown. I will come back to learn the profound Chinese culture and visit more places in the future."