In 2016, 18-year-old Saba Shafiq from Pakistan embarked on her first journey away from home to Shanghai. After graduating from preparatory classes, Saba chose to stay at Shanghai International Studies University to pursue her studies in Chinese international education.

In 2022, Saba became the youngest head of the Confucius Institute at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. During her tenure, she introduced various teaching principles and humanistic practices from SISU to local classes. 

For instance, she advocated for 5 minutes of break time for students after every 45-minute class, a practice that had never been implemented at the university before. In 2023, she organized a Chinese paper-cutting activity for students to fully immerse themselves in traditional Chinese cultural activities.

Saba presents students with paper-cutting artwork. [Photo/WeChat account: Study_in_SISU]

About a year ago, she successfully applied for a master's degree in Chinese international education at SISU, resigning from her position as head of the Confucius Institute in the UAF. 

In September 2023, she returned to China to continue her studies. During these seven years, she transformed from a student to a teacher and back to being a student. For her, returning to SISU feels like coming home.

Saba will graduate from SISU in 2024 and plans to continue her academic journey by pursuing a doctoral degree.

Source: "Study_in_SISU" WeChat account