Bridging Cultures and Transforming Rural Lives: International Graduates, ‘Last Lesson’ in Heyang county, Shaanxi — June 2025

　　 　　

In the rolling heartlands of Shaanxi Province, a unique scene unfolded as the graduating class of 2025 from Northwest A&F University of Science and Technology (NWAFU) embarked on a journey that was about much more than just saying goodbye to China. For nearly twenty international students representing ten nations, spanning from Pakistan and Kazakhstan to Indonesia and Tajikistan at Heyang’s tranquil fields, vibrant classrooms, and historic sites became the setting for what the university fittingly called their “Last Practical Lesson.”

Over the course of two immersive days, these soon-to-be graduates traded their familiar campus for the fields, schools, and museums of Heyang County. Their mission? To give back, learn from China’s remarkable rural transformation, and build bridges of understanding between nations.

A Lesson Beyond the Textbook: Teaching in Heyang’s Primary Schools

The trip’s first stop set the tone for what would become a deeply personal experience. The group visited Nangou Village Primary School and Pozhao Primary School, where eager local children awaited a very different sort of English lesson. Instead of the usual drills and rote learning, the classrooms buzzed with creativity and cross-cultural flair.

Among the international teachers, ALAM SYED SHANE （中文名：沙义）(India) captivated students with a lively game centered around English animal names, seamlessly weaving in vocabulary for lions, elephants, and monkeys. But this was more than just play, he cleverly used interactive storytelling and group activities to connect English words to the animals’ real habitats, making language acquisition feel both natural and joyful.

Not to be outdone, EMERALDA EKA PUTRI SETYAWATI (中文名：谢墨如) (Indonesia) introduced her own playful twist, using animal vocabulary cards and “fun connectivity” games to help children retain new words. Her lesson, themed “Reviewing Animals,” was a masterclass in hands-on language learning, where laughter filled the room and even the shyest students found their voices.

Then came MAHARDIKA SURYA BAGUS （中文名：苏尔雅）(Indonesia), who took students on a virtual journey across continents with her lesson, “My Journey: From Indonesia to China!” Leveraging vivid personal stories, rich multimedia, and images of volcanoes and ancient temples, he not only taught English but also brought the wider world to Heyang’s doorstep. For the children, many of whom had never traveled outside Shaanxi, this glimpse of faraway cultures was as inspiring as it was educational.

The lessons weren’t limited to animals or adventure. KHUDOYOROVA MANIZHA（中文名：玛尼莎）from Tajikistan chose the colorful theme of “Clothes and Colours,” giving students a chance to discuss everything from traditional Tajik garments to the meaning of different hues, all while practicing English conversation in a friendly and supportive environment.

Perhaps most moving was the story of, NOORIN SADIA（中文名：沙迪）from Pakistan, who has spent the past three years teaching in Heyang’s primary schools. Having delivered over 120 hours of instruction through a blend of online and in-person classes, her final lesson was bittersweet having grown attached to her students, she found it hard to say goodbye as she prepared to graduate and return home.

Exploring Rural Revitalization: From Grapes to Grassroots Change

The trip wasn’t just about teaching; it was a crash course in China’s “rural revitalization” model, which has transformed communities like Heyang through targeted investments and university-led partnerships. Led by Tan Dongming, NWAFU’s first secretary stationed in Nangou Village, the international students toured the local grape industry base—a sprawling modern agricultural park now famous for its award-winning “Red  Grape” and “Sun Muscat” grapes.

Tan explained, “In recent years, our university has supported Heyang’s grape industry through party building, talent delivery, technical support, and direct investment. The result is not only increased production and income for farmers, but also an empowered community with a sense of pride and self-sufficiency.”

The international students saw firsthand how agricultural science, policy, and local initiative can converge to fight poverty and build sustainable rural economies, a lesson many hope to take back to their own countries.

Cultural Deep Dive: History, Heritage, and Natural Wonders

No visit to Heyang would be complete without a deep dive into its rich history and cultural traditions. At the Heyang History Museum, students traced the region’s journey from ancient civilizations to the present day, studying artifacts, documents, and stories that embody the resilience and innovation of the Chinese countryside.

Later, they strolled through the enchanting Virgin Spring Scenic Area. Amidst tranquil waters, lush reed beds, and rare migratory birds, the students immersed themselves in the local ecology and folk customs, experiencing not just the natural beauty but also the spirit of a place where legends, history, and daily life are intimately intertwined.

Throughout the journey, the group benefited from the guidance of the group leader ASKARI KOMELLE（中文名：安晨）(Pakistan), who has been voluntarily teaching English in Heyang for several years. His familiarity with both the local community and the practical challenges of rural education enriched the group’s experience, helping to connect ideas, people, and cultures at every step.

A Tradition of Service: NWAFU’s Legacy in Heyang

As Vice Dean Cheng Shangzhi of NWAFU’s College of International Studies explained, the “Last Practical Lesson” is more than a farewell ritual—it’s a tradition that’s helped cement deep ties between the university and Heyang since the launch of the International Students Teaching Group in 2021.

Each year, before graduation, NWAFU’s international students head to Heyang to teach, learn, and contribute to the community. In 2024, Nangou Village was even recognized by the China Scholarship Council as a flagship base for international students’ social practice and rural revitalization research.

“These experiences are a win-win,” Cheng noted. “Our international students not only impart knowledge, but also gain invaluable personal and professional growth. They become storytellers, cultural ambassadors, and lifelong friends of China, bearing witness to the real outcomes of the rural revitalization and poverty alleviation strategies.”

Farewell, but Not Goodbye

As the sun set on their two-day journey, the international students of NWAFU found themselves forever changed, not only by what they taught, but by what they learned. The experience was equally profound for the children of Heyang, taking a glimpse into the wider world, and a reminder that curiosity, kindness, and learning know no borders.

As the graduates prepare to leave China and embark on new adventures, their mentors encourage them to “continue telling China’s story and sharing its voice.” Judging by the bonds forged and lessons learned in Heyang, it’s a mission these students will embrace for years to come.