Sheng Lin, a retired associate professor from Shandong University, teaches a Chinese language class at Kashi University in Kashgar, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, in March.[Photo/China Daily]

In mid-March, with the first light of dawn, Sheng Lin began her day preparing for her 10 am lecture, the first class of the day at Kashi University, located in Kashgar, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

The 66-year-old, a formerly retired associate professor from Shandong University in Jinan, Shandong province, is assisting in teaching in the School of Chinese Language as part of a program encouraging retired professors to contribute to institutions of higher education in China's western regions and provinces.

"Classes begin two hours later than in Shandong province because of the difference in daylight hours, reflecting the vast expanse of our country," said Sheng.

The class she teaches has students hailing from countries such as Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Myanmar. It's the first international class at the university.

When she arrived at the university just over two years ago, there were only Chinese students in the department of international Chinese education, she said.

"With the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, Kashgar has transformed from an inland area to an open frontier that plays a role as a pivotal hub for international exchange," she added.

Last September, the first international students started studying at the university. As the second semester unfolds, Sheng has witnessed the remarkable progress of her students, now proficient enough to navigate their studies without the aid of English or Russian as intermediary languages.

"The international Chinese education here is just starting, which is exactly where we retired teachers who come to work in the university need to make efforts," she said.

Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Sheng has engaged in various initiatives, from advising the university on strategic planning for international student education to conducting academic lectures.

"Teaching in Kashgar has not only given me an opportunity to contribute to the region's education, but offered me a chance to learn the local culture and history," she said.

In her pursuit of understanding and embracing the local culture, Sheng has ventured into the heart of Xinjiang, exploring many places, including the ancient streets of Kashgar, the vast expanse of the Taklimakan Desert and the rugged beauty of the Pamir Plateau.

"Each experience has deepened my appreciation for the region's unique landscapes and its warmhearted people," Sheng said.

She attended a language training program held at a local cotton spinning company at the end of last semester, where she was impressed by the employees of various ethnic groups who shared their learning experiences, recited poems, demonstrated calligraphy and showcased paper-cutting artistry.

The language training program was held in collaboration with Kashi University. It began in 2016 when 60 ethnic employees faced difficulties in technical training due to language barriers, hindering their ability to express their needs, said Sheng.

In response, language training in collaboration with the university's Chinese language school was initiated. To date, over 20 training sessions have been held.

Sheng was impressed by the company's dormitories, cafeteria and factory workshops.

"The workshops are spacious and clean, with modern automated machinery. Apart from our group of visitors, only the occasional worker can be seen adjusting the machines," she said, adding the overall environment was bright and spacious, dispelling her traditional impressions of factory workshops.

"A company employee accompanying us on the tour told me that the company had provided a large number of job opportunities," Sheng said.

"Many couples work together at the company, and their combined monthly income ranges from 6,000 yuan to 10,000 yuan ($828-$1,382)," she said.

Reflecting on her journey to teach in Kashgar, Sheng recalled the words of her colleague who assured her upon her arrival that she would grow to love the place.

"I indeed love the campus, the teachers and students here," she said.