Studying at a top-10 Chinese university like Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) for a Master's in Artificial Intelligence was an experience I never imagined. The campus's location in the heart of China's capital city allowed me to meet people from a wide variety of backgrounds. Here, culture and technology blend harmoniously, a fact I witnessed firsthand by riding in the driverless AI cars already operating in several areas of the campus and the city. The easy access to affordable public transportation, coupled with the experience of trying out autonomous technology like this, are things I will always be grateful for. Witnessing and experiencing firsthand the rapid development of AI in China has provided me with a very supportive and inspiring learning environment and ecosystem.

Academically, the highly systematic curriculum made my learning process clearer and more structured. The foundation of knowledge provided was strong enough to prepare us to dive into and face the challenges of the AI ​​industry, including developing advanced technologies like autonomous vehicles. The lecturers are highly competent, many of whom graduated from top universities abroad, which certainly adds value in terms of the experience and insights they share. Studying in China truly demands a high level of commitment. Everything depends on how we organize ourselves; we must actively study independently and diligently engage in discussions with both lecturers and colleagues in our research fields. If we are lazy, we will certainly fall behind. Even though I'm majoring in AI, a strong understanding of mathematics is essential and is truly utilized in every analysis, including the algorithm that drives the driverless car I tested.

Supporting facilities such as adequate laboratories, access to high-performance computing, and a comprehensive library make accessing information very easy and efficient. Coming from a background in Physics Education, adapting to understanding the material and research in this AI field is certainly not easy. However, it can be overcome with passion and determination. Pursuing a master's degree isn't about who's smartest, but about who's willing to persevere and be resilient in the face of the various obstacles and challenges that arise. The English language is a distinct advantage compared to a Mandarin-language program, although I'm still working on adapting and improving my academic vocabulary.

In my daily life, I strive to blend in and experience local life. In terms of food, I tried a Wuhan specialty called Reganmian (热干面), or Wuhan Dry Noodles, which are halal. Adapting to the extreme weather was also an experience in itself; my first year I experienced very heavy snowfall accompanied by strong winds that caused trees on campus to fall. The summers are also notoriously hot.

Beyond academics, daily life in an international environment allowed me to network with students from all over the world, including those from Asia, Africa, Europe, and, of course, local Chinese students. I participated in various activities organized by the international student office, which allowed us to learn about local culture and activities, including trips to various cities in China. Although I didn't participate in many activities outside of academics, I had the opportunity to attend an AI conference hosted by the School of Artificial Intelligence and Automation and the Chinese Control Conference (CCC) in Chongqing to gain new knowledge and expand my network. The experience of driving an AI driverless car further opened my eyes to how quickly the theories learned in class can be implemented in China.

I gained not only hard skills during my time there, but also soft skills such as critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and adapting to cross-cultural environments. This experience, including firsthand exposure to autonomous technology, opened my mind to how I view and approach problems; it's not enough to just look at them from one perspective; they need to be analyzed from various angles.

Ultimately, anything is possible if we work hard and always believe in God's power.