Wudaokou Watch: "Living in Beijing Has Greatly Boosted My Career"

Welcome to Wudaokou Watch, where we profile a different Beijing-based student from abroad each week to hear about their life in China's capital. You can read the whole series here.

My name is Bleetary Tariro, I'm from Zimbabwe, a landlocked country in the southern part of Africa with a population of roughly 16 million people. Since the 11th century, what is known as present-day Zimbabwe has been the site of several different states and kingdoms as well as a major route for migration and trade.

I came to Beijing to do my master's in public administration at North China Power Electric University.

I feel like there isn't enough time in the day here. The huge traffic jams make it difficult to get around, and you need to plan things ahead unlike at home, where it's not so populated.

I'm still not used to the time difference. That has given me problems lately with my school schedule as I would prefer to sleep later. Also, some people can be a bit racist about the fact that we are big and black, some people want to take your pictures without your consent.

I like to hang out at Blue Frog restaurant where I usually get a nice steak or a meat platter and all my favorite cocktails. I also like to chill at the Terrazza Martini rooftop, and Wudaukou is pretty close to my school where there are lots of places I can get cocktails and affordable meals.

When I am homesick I usually go out to meet and socialize with friends. There aren't really any stores that sell Zimbabwean ingredients. However, I can cook most of my food at home, and I can buy the ingredients over WeChat.

The thing I love most about Beijing is that it is spacious and fun, and there are so many intercultural shows and activities to enjoy. Many local people can speak English and they are able to help out if you have a problem. Beijing is a lovely city.

My most memorable experience was when I did a CCTV reality show called Hi China, which aims to introduce China to the world. I got to experience some business and rural part of China and see how Chinese people lived in these areas. It was a good experience.

Life in Beijing has impacted me so much – I have met people from different parts of the world, learned a lot, and I have visited new parts of the world with these new friends. This has greatly boosted my career. There are great opportunities everywhere as long as you are focused. My future plan is to source a good business here that I can implement back home.

READ: “I Now Have a Deeper Appreciation for Other Cultures and Races"

Photos courtesy of Bleetary Tariro