On October 21st, the Chinese Learning and Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK: Chinese Proficency Test) Preparation Sharing Session, specially organized for international students, was successfully held in Classroom G2012 of the International Department at the College of Chinese & ASEAN Arts (CCAA). The event was hosted by Ms. Li Shuangmei from the Chinese Language Teaching and Research Office, with all faculty members of the office in attendance. Four international students from Thailand and Vietnam served as “sharing ambassadors,” offering a wealth of practical tips and firsthand experience to help their peers tackle challenges in Chinese language learning and HSK preparation.
"From zero foundation to passing HSK Level 4, the right combination of textbooks and online platforms is crucial," shared Thai student Thaensri Aritat, opening the session with his learning journey. He revealed how he used New HSK Vocabulary Detailed Explanation (Chinese-Thai Bilingual Edition) as his core resource to master key words, systematically reviewed with standard HSK textbooks, and supplemented his studies with YouTube channels and laumsaiuayu—following along with Chinese teachers' explanations to progress step by step. He expressed his hope to not only build a cultural bridge between China and Thailand through his Chinese skills, but also to provide a helpful reference for fellow learners.
Vietnamese student Nguyen Tuan Anh offered a "toolbox + mindset" package to the audience. He not only recommended practical tools like Quizlet for vocabulary building and AI applications like Doubao to practice expression, but also shared his unique approaches of "learning Chinese through music" and "cultivating inner peace through calligraphy." As both a beauty KOL and an ambassador for a Chinese learning app, he inspired his peers with the motto: "Every step in life counts." He encouraged everyone: "Don’t let your starting point hold you back. University is a stage to explore yourself—let your passions power your growth."
"Two hours a day, 10-15 new words—consistency is what brings results." Vietnamese student Le Thi Yen Nhi shared her steady and practical approach to learning, which resonated strongly with the audience. She uses flashcards to memorize vocabulary, reinforces characters by writing them in sentences, and employs an immersive listening technique by watching videos with only Chinese subtitles. For test preparation, she uses a strategy of guessing unfamiliar words first before looking them up in the dictionary—a tip that had many students nodding in agreement. She also highlighted how in-class vocabulary games and group discussions made learning Chinese both fun and effective.
"Be bold to speak, practice diligently—even HSK Level 6 is within your reach!" The sharing by Vietnamese student Tran Thi Ngoc Diep was full of energy and conviction. She uses Anki for systematic vocabulary review, learns new words by watching Tiktok and copying comments, practices writing through journaling, and improves her pronunciation by shadowing native speakers on Xiaohongshu. "Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Record yourself, compare with native speakers, and you’ll improve quickly," she advised. Her "method + persistence" philosophy became one of the most popular learning strategies shared at the event.
During the interactive session, questions such as "How can I memorize new words more effectively?" and "How should I manage my time for HSK preparation?" were raised one after another. The four student speakers offered detailed answers based on their personal experiences, while the faculty team provided timely guidance and input. The room was alive with discussion and frequent applause. In her closing remarks, host teacher Ms. Li summarized, "To learn Chinese well, both persistence and the right methods are essential. We hope every student can find their own path and keep making breakthroughs in the world of Chinese."
The sharing session did more than circulate practical advice—it ignited a renewed enthusiasm for Chinese learning. As international students left the classroom, many expressed that they felt "inspired and more confident than ever" about their upcoming exams. This shared passion for learning Chinese, spanning different countries and cultures, has infused campus life with fresh energy for meaningful exchange.
