Matthew Russell

　　Matthew Russell, a young man from the United Kingdom, is now studying Chinese in Jinan University, Shandong province. He has a lot of Chinese friends when he was in college in the UK. Last September, Matthew won British government scholarship and came to study in Shandong.

　　There are two reasons for Matthew to learn Chinese. The living cost in the United Kingdom is so high that many British go to work in foreign countries. “I can work in China if I can speak Chinese. That is the reality”, says Matthew. He also wants to be a diplomat, that is why he chose International Economy as his major and now studies Chinese in Jinan. “I want to improve the relationships between countries”, he said, “I have watched many Chinese movies when I was a boy and I know Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. The UK has frequent economic and trade exchanges with China now, and I hope I can make my own contributions to the friendship of the two countries.”

　　Matthew has visited many cities in China including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Qingdao. He may go to these cities if he decides to stay in China for there are more working opportunities. Last year, he spent the Chinese New Year with his friends in Heyuan, Guangdong province. “The fireworks are very impressive, I like them very much. I don’t know how to describe it in Chinese but they are really fantastic!”he exclaimed.

　　Matthew knew very little about Shandong before he came to the province. “I have never learned Chinese before. The impression of China is Kung fu, Confucius and some ancient culture”, Matthew said. But now he has become accustomed to the life in Jinan and he can speak frequent Chinese.

　　His Chinese friends usually call him “Ge menr”, buddy in English, which makes him extremely excited. “I don’t know the meaning at first but the words sound kind and warm. I love my friends call me ‘Ge menr’”, he said. Matthew has also fallen in love with Shandong cuisine. For him, eating with chopsticks is a wonderful experience and he looks a little bit fatter than before.

　　In half a year, Matthew will return to his country. He said he will come back to China again if there is a chance.