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For 27-year-old Hu Juyuan, time has really flown by during the past five years.

Hu Juyuan takes a picture with the Canadian national flag. [China.org.cn]

In 2011, Hu made up his mind to leave his hometown and start a life of studying abroad. After graduating from university in Thunder Bay in 2014, he began working in Toronto.

"Five years ago, I graduated from college and came to Canada accompanied only by my two bags. My English was poor then, and I had to think over a sentence several times before saying it aloud," said Hu.

For the then 22-year-old Hu, the reality of studying abroad alone was much more difficult than he'd imagined. Besides finishing assignment and papers, he had to do almost everything by himself in order to make his life convenient and comfortable.

"The most difficult task for a foreigner is how to deal with loneliness," Hu said. "During the past five years, I have gone through a lot of anxiety, hesitation, confusion and self-negation. But all of these have made my heart stronger."

Hu also said that after leaving his homeland and family, he began paying more attention to traditional Chinese culture and cherished friendship and kinship more.

After three years of education, Hu didn't return to China immediately, because he thought his life on campus was not enough to help him understand a country.

"Life in society is more complex than that on campus. A sentence or a word, even an improper tone can bring you trouble." said Hu. "For example, you have to notice 'would you like to have a cup of tea' is much better than 'do you want a cup of tea'."

In addition to oral English, Hu said that he also had to learn how to make friends, get along with colleagues and how to relax after work, so as to make his life more positive and healthy.

Although he has no plan to return to homeland anytime soon, Hu is still concerned about the ongoing development and change in China and his hometown.

"China's e-commerce industry has grown vigorously these past years, which has impressed me a lot," Hu said. "On last year's single's day (Nov. 11), e-commerce giant Alibaba saw sales worth 91.2 billion yuan (US$14.3 billion). That was incredible."

Hu is also interested in China's Belt and Road Initiative. He said, "I think the project is beneficial to a range of countries, since it plans to expand and deepen communication and cooperation on infrastructure, trade, finance and culture among related countries."

"I believe China's explosive power and vitality will continue to inject new momentum into world economy and make Chinese people in foreign countries like me more proud and confident," said Hu.

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