My study and stay in China will be memorable and cherished throughout my life. It was my first time to have long-term training in a foreign country. Life was not easy especially when it came to language barrier. So I had to spend one year studying basic Chinese language which helped me to handle basic communication with native Chinese speakers. I really appreciate the teachers and friends from the College of International Education for improving my Chinese level that helped me much during daily life and clinical placement.

It was an exciting moment to learn from a multidisciplinary team of professionals. The critical care nursing practice was made easy by treating each other like brothers and sisters, this was all about crossing professional biases.

Clinical mentors and preceptors form an important aspect for clinical nursing education especially when the environment is new to the student. I was lucky to be attached to clinical mentors who helped me with knowledge and skills acquisition during my 2.5 years of clinical placement in adults’ intensive care units.

Sometimes the weather gets warm, and you need a break or a glass of beer. Choosing the best place to go is very important. I like to go to the garden park, at the garden park was another place where I meet new friends. The same was at Lazy’s bar in downtown, this bar was the best, many international students would like to go and have a good taste of western foods.

Having fun with friends are useful buffering system that may relieve stress and give you new energy to keep going with the academic matters. Importantly was to stay connected with the country mates who played a sibling role in the physical absence of my family.

Cerebrating the International Nurses Day was another event that remains in my memories. It was my first experience to celebrate Nurses Day in my professional life. It was incredible to see doctors supporting nurses by giving them gifts. This informed me that the nursing activities are appreciated, therefore nurses should be proud of their profession and strive to meet the needs of our clients.

Yes, sometimes it gets so cold in Jinan. This was my first time to be subjected in that cold weather. However, the school time table couldn’t be shut-down. I really appreciate the role played by the Dean, School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, she was so courageous and supportive to me and my colleagues to ensure that the learning process happens. Also, even in times of crisis such as COVID-19 outbreak, she stood with us and encouraged to stay back and continue studying. This was important because we would have suspended our training during closure of Chinese borders for international students.