Living the African dream in China's Guangzhou

According to recent figures, thousands of Africans come to study in Guangdong province. The young girl in the picture, who comes from Togo in West Africa, is just one of them. [Photo: VCG]

The 25-year-old came to Guangzhou by herself 4 years ago, and has just graduated from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, and is now working in the city as a "foreign white collar" worker. Commencement is a proud day for her, and she wants to look her best. [Photo: VCG]

Studying in Guangzhou has become increasingly popular for African students since the Asian financial crisis in 1997. She thanks God for the opportunity she's been given to study and succeed in China. [Photo: VCG]

"Graduation is very, very important in Africa, so I have invited many friends to come," the girl says in perfect Chinese. She's part of a big African community. [Photo: VCG]

The number of African students in China majoring in Chinese has reached 1,601 this year, the most popular of all the majors. "It's such a pity that my parents can't come here," the girl says with tears in her eyes. She takes as many photos as possible at the graduation ceremony to show her parents back home. [Photo: VCG]

"You know that people are poor in my country, so it's not easy for my parents to send me to China." When she first set foot in China, she was amazed by the number of skyscrapers in Guangzhou. "Most Chinese people are friendly and hospitable," she says with a smile. [Photo: VCG]

The girl has already become a fluent Chinese speaker. Because of her looks, she gets noticed a lot, and she's fine with that. "There isn't just one standard of beauty," she says. [Photo: VCG]

After finding a job in Guangzhou, the African girl rented a small apartment near Guangzhou East Railway Station. [Photo: VCG]

"African students are introverted and modest, but once they have set their targets, they become very hard-working," says a Chinese teacher who has taught African students for 6 years says. The girl from Togo is now a regular commuter on the city's metro. [Photo: VCG]

The African girl grabs a quick lunch bought from a convenience store, just like thousands of other local office workers in Guangzhou. She is already used to the busy city life. [Photo: VCG]

As a result of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, which brings together countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe in economic and cultural co-operation, more and more foreign students are heading to China. Many will stay after graduation to find work. It's been a long day for this girl from Africa who's made China her new home. [Photo: VCG]