Xie says she was initially reluctant to come to Africa. She declined an offer in 2011 because her family opposed the idea.

Destiny, however, had other plans.

She had to take up the assignment the following year, as the project was short-staffed.

"I was apprehensive as I considered Africa to be a land filled with famine and wars. But the situation on the ground is far different from what I imagined," she says.

"Although the development is unbalanced across the country, Maputo is a civilized place. And the most valuable thing is that, unlike the coastal regions in Southeast China, the town is relatively quiet. This really gives me great peace of mind."

Mozambique is an ethical country, where doctors and teachers are shining examples, she says.

"Though the international airport is strict in checking foreigners' suitcases in case they transport ivory or rhino horns, I was never asked to open my suitcase after I showed my name card to the customs officials," Xie says.

Activities in the Confucius Institute are not limited to teaching Chinese. During major traditional Chinese festivals, Xie and her colleagues organize Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival galas, featuring Chinese dances and songs.

"Usually a much bigger crowd than the students would turn up - mostly local people who know nothing about China but are curious about its language and culture."

Teaching Chinese in Mozambique gives Xie a perspective totally different from her teaching experience in China. She says they have to keep the time slots relatively flexible because few students show up on time.

"But they are amazing students. They seem to have the genes to imitate the pronunciation and are very quick in reading and listening," Xie says.

Confucius Institute graduates are also in great demand in the local job market, especially among the Chinese companies in Maputo. Some Chinese companies come to book students with good Chinese skills. A private company recently reached an agreement with the school to train 400 local workers.

Another major Chinese company in Maputo also plans to sponsor about 100 local workers to study in China. Before they go, they'll study basic Chinese at the Confucius Institute, Xie says.

When Xie arrived two years ago, she'd planned to file an application to return after two years. But she has decided to stay for the full term of three years.

"I wish we could expand the school further and open more branches in other provinces of Mozambique," she says.

Contact the writers through wangchao@chinadaily.com.cn

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