Growing abroad
Overseas experiences have not only made these two young people active participants in the BRI but have also led to significant personal growth.
For Yang Meihang, the five-hour time difference between Saudi Arabia and China amplified his sense of isolation each evening. Spending long hours alone, he taught himself Arabic and established a running routine.
Living in a completely different environment also strengthened his sense of responsibility and helped him better understand himself. At first, the differences in appearance, culture, and cuisine made him feel like a stranger. Over time, as he connected with locals and fellow Chinese expatriates, he gradually found his footing and embraced his new life.
"As a member of the new generation of overseas builders, you must have the determination to navigate unfamiliar environments," he reflected. "An open mind and curiosity are essential for understanding local customs — only then can you truly thrive abroad."
Yang Xin brings a female perspective to her overseas experiences. She acknowledges that women often face additional societal pressures around marriage, childbirth, and personal safety, but she believes that working abroad can empower women, giving them courage and broadening their horizons.
"Overseas salaries are competitive, and many of my female colleagues have even bought their own apartments, achieving financial independence for the first time," she said. "This freedom allows us to make choices confidently and live life on our own terms."
Now back in China, Yang Xin has transitioned from full-time employment to freelancing. She occasionally takes on overseas translation projects, manages a social media account where she shares reflections on her time in Angola, and offers consulting to young people interested in overseas postings.
Through these efforts, she continues to apply the lessons and confidence she gained while working abroad.
On her social media account, she wrote: "Experiences like these show young people that the world is vast, challenges can become opportunities, and life offers far more possibilities than we often imagine."
