It took about three months for Chen Huiying to become accustomed to the English-language teaching classes at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen in Guangdong province.

"In the first several days after my college studies began, I needed to spend almost an entire afternoon reading through a chapter of an English-language book," Chen said.

"It was really a big challenge when I was in class at first. English is the major language for all courses."

Chen overcame the difficulties by forcing herself into an English-language environment, from writing emails and sharing ideas with teachers and classmates to watching videos.

"Using English in classes helps me better understand courses and improves exchanges with international students," Chen said.

Her improvement was not only in language use but in the development of an open and innovative mind as the 19-year-old spent time after class assisting teachers with technology research.

"Various research platforms, such as the robotics laboratory, have helped open a new world for us," she said.

The university has set up an innovation and entrepreneur center, which encourages students to develop their interests in business.

Chen also joined a Chinese calligraphy group at the university.

"Traditional Chinese culture is an important feature of the university. I was so excited when President Xu Yangsheng, who is also good at Chinese calligraphy, gave me a piece of his work as a gift during a club activity," Chen said.