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Between Green Tea and Chebakia: Moroccans in China Weave Threads of Familiarity and Cultural Exchange
In recent years, China has become an increasingly attractive destination for Moroccan students eager to broaden their academic and cultural horizons. With its modern universities and rapidly growing cities, Moroccan youth find themselves experiencing a completely different reality, one that reshapes their perspectives on life.
Among these students is Huda Al-Haqi, a Moroccan who chose to study Chinese language in the People’s Republic of China, returning to Morocco afterward to teach and share her rich knowledge and human experiences.
The Wonder of Beginnings and the Magic of Details
Huda recalls that her initial days in China were filled with a mix of wonder and curiosity, as she did not expect the friendly relationships that blossomed in classrooms between professors and students. She states:
“From the very first week, I felt like I was part of a family. The professors in China do not put up barriers with students; they treat them as friends and care about their details, which made it easy for me to integrate.”
She adds that what also caught her attention was China’s astonishing technological and economic development: “Everything there flows smoothly thanks to technology, making daily life and learning significantly easier.”
Smooth Integration Despite Alienation
Despite the cultural distance, Huda found it relatively easy to adapt within Chinese society, thanks to her command of the language prior to traveling. She smiles as she shares:
“I knew the basics of the language, which helped me a lot. Additionally, the Chinese people I met were cooperative and kind, and my Moroccan friend with me at the beginning greatly helped me overcome feelings of alienation.”
She points out that the curiosity of the Chinese about Morocco was both amusing and lovely:
“They would constantly ask me: Where are you from? Why do Moroccans look different? And where is Morocco? Some even associate Morocco with the World Cup or Casablanca!”
A Different Academic Experience
Huda views education in China as a unique experience on all levels, as it focuses on application, openness, and interaction between cultures.
“The professors in China are very competent and cooperative, and the students come from all over the world. This diversity allowed me to learn things that are not found in books, but rather through daily interaction with others.”
She described campus life as “organized and comfortable,” noting that she lived in a student residence close to her classes, which granted her time for studying and exploring the city on the bike she had assembled herself.
Moroccan Solidarity in the Far East
During her stay, Huda discovered that the Moroccan community in China is small yet remarkably cohesive, as Moroccans communicate through groups on WeChat to exchange advice and support.
“We collaborated on everything: from finding halal food to sharing product links, and even preparing Moroccan dishes during Ramadan and holidays. Msemen, chebakia, and sellou brought us together at the table as if we were in our homes in Morocco.”
Coexistence and Mutual Respect
Despite religious and cultural differences, Huda affirms she faced no real harassment regarding her identity or hijab:
“The hijab is normal there; people ask out of curiosity, not rejection. There are mosques in every Chinese city, and I didn’t notice any discrimination against Muslims.”
She recounts with a smile how Chinese people would find some Moroccan customs, like greeting with kisses, surprising:
“We would only shake hands, and over time they began to understand that as part of our culture.”
Lessons from the East to Morocco
Upon her return to Morocco, Huda carries with her many lessons from her Chinese experience, believing it has transformed her outlook on life and work.
“I learned from the Chinese the value of discipline and respect for time; they do not tire from working and do not leave matters to chance. They have a strong sense of responsibility towards their country. This spirit is something we also need in Morocco.”
She reflects:
“The Chinese resemble Moroccans in their social warmth, but they are more committed to order and seriousness. That balance between heart and mind is what propels them forward.”
Huda Al-Haqi’s experience, along with that of other Moroccan youth who chose China, underscores that integration does not equate to dissolution but rather reflects positive interaction between two cultures converging on shared values of work, respect, and cooperation. In the heart of the Far East, Moroccans are writing a new chapter in cultural exchange, characterized by simplicity, curiosity, and a genuine desire to learn.
