Diana from Kazakhstan is an exchange student at ZJOU. [Photo/zhoushan.cn]

Editor's note: Zhejiang Ocean University (ZJOU) in Zhoushan is attended by nearly 300 international students each year. These international students have witnessed the development of Zhoushan and play an important role in promoting Zhoushan culture to the rest of the world.

Diana from Kazakhstan is an exchange student at ZJOU who was set to go home during the summer holidays, but due to the COVID-19 outbreak, still studies at ZJOU.

"My school of South Ural State University and ZJOU adjusted the learning plan for exchange students," Diana said. "The courses that I should learn in Russia are now being taught by ZJOU teachers."

She said she likes studying at ZJOU because of its beautiful environment and patient and experienced teachers.

Diana says that only by integrating into local life can someone master a language, so she cherishes her time in Zhoushan.

She said she worked with local traffic police to help keep the roads orderly and pedestrians safe during Zhoushan's evaluation for its National Civilized City title and also spent time with staff at the Opium War Ruins Park in the city.

Among her many activities, a tour of Zhoushan's Mayi Island left a deep impression.

"The tour helped me learn about the hardworking and enterprising spirit of its local residents," Diana recalled, adding that she retold the story about the Mayi Islanders to her family to pass on their precious Chinese spirit.