Feature: Botswana students respond well to major in Chinese studies

The University of Botswana (UB) located in Gaborone, capital of the Southern African country has offered the major of Chinese Studies under the faculty of humanities.

According to professor Fang Xujun, person in charge of the bachelor's degree program, the newly opened 4-year program has started recruiting students in 2011, and is expected to enroll 20 students each year. In room 46, block 247 of the UB, Fang was giving out test papers of Chinese mandarin to each student. Phatsimo Mooka scored 92 points of 100. Mooka said learning Chinese is fine and really helps her. To enhance her Chinese, she also studies in Confucius Institute at the UB.

The core courses of the Chinese studies program include basic mandarin, pre-intermediate mandarin, ancient and imperial history of China, Chinese philosophy and religion, modern history of China and etc depending on semesters.

"I visited China in 2011 with my parents and was impressed by Chinese people, they were friendly. I also saw a lot of opportunity in China," said the second year student.

"I want to learn more and more of China," she added.

Kobamo Seroba and Thipane Otlaadisa are sponsored by Botswana Police Service (BPS) to study Chinese. "We did not know Chinese language, but Chinese are our customers, when they come to our office we have a serious problem in trying to have a conversation with them", said Seroba, who is a police officer in BPS.

"After studying, I'm going to be able to service Chinese, that is good for both Botswana and China. When Chinese seek for help, I will be there for them. When they have any other problems, concerning between Chinese and Botswana, I will be there," said Seroba.

Otlaadisa said he was a part-time Chinese learner at the beginning, and has now turned to be full-time. "I want to learn and practice more of Chinese. I like Chinese language, so it's giving me more time to learn Chinese characters," he said.

Otlaadisa said he is expecting of go to China next year for exchange study.

According to the teaching program, all students of Chinese studies program will spend one in China as exchange students sponsored by the Botswana government. So far, two groups of students have got the chance to go to China, the program is now applying for the third time dispatch.

Gofaone Basha chose to study Chinese after watching a movie named Kiss of the Dragon, starred by Chinese kungfu star Jet Li.

"I like the way of speaking and writing Chinese. Unlike English, Chinese is new to us," she said.

Basha said while studying Chinese she doesn't have any problems as lecturers are friendly and open and they are always willing to help them. Endi