BRICS cooperation in the eyes of international students from BRICS countries in China
On October 21, 2023, China’s Xinhua News Agency reported on how international students view BRICS cooperation as the group approaches a significant milestone. With 2024 marking the beginning of a new phase for BRICS cooperation, leaders from member countries will meet for the 16th time in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24.
The perspective of students from BRICS nations studying in China is particularly insightful. Ali Amin Elsayed Hussien, a master’s student from Egypt specializing in Chinese international education at Beijing Language and Culture University, shared his experiences. Having worked as a translator, he recognizes that different native languages foster distinct ways of thinking. He emphasized that cultural nuances are often learned through direct interaction rather than textbooks. “I spent four years learning Chinese and Chinese culture in Egypt, but within two months in China, I’ve gained so much more,” he noted.
Ali sees the recent addition of Egypt to the BRICS cooperation framework as a boon for the youth of his country, opening doors to new opportunities. He believes the diverse cultures within BRICS facilitate a vibrant cultural exchange, creating a multiplier effect that enhances opportunities. “With languages like Chinese, English, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic represented among us, I can engage with individuals from various backgrounds—whether it’s a Chinese speaker in Egypt or a Russian in China. The stronger our cooperation, the more opportunities arise,” Ali explained.
He illustrated his understanding of BRICS collaboration with an Arabic proverb: “A single hand cannot clap.” Ali elaborated, “A country is like a hand, and assistance from other nations is like another hand. Together, we can achieve so much more. That’s what BRICS cooperation is about—growing together and developing in unison.”
Kirill Kravtsov, a student from Russia, first encountered the term “BRICS” during his university studies. His experiences at the Shanghai Summer School, part of the BRICS program, allowed him to gain a comprehensive understanding of multilateral cooperation and build relationships with peers from member countries. He articulated that despite diverse cultural backgrounds, BRICS nations share a commitment to inclusivity and collective action. “The essence of BRICS cooperation lies in inclusive multilateralism, where countries engage deeply on common issues to find a consensus,” he asserted, quoting an adage from his culture, “One man in the field is not a warrior,” to emphasize the necessity of collaboration.
For Kirill, studying in China represents the most direct impact of BRICS cooperation. Now in his second year pursuing a master’s degree in journalism and communication at Peking University, he has traveled to 35 cities in China, seeking firsthand insights into the nation’s rich cultural tapestry.
Vitor Moura from Brazil recently participated in the “BRICS Opportunities” youth dialogue in Kazan, marking his third trip to Russia for BRICS-themed events this year. Living in China since 2016, Vitor began his academic journey at Tsinghua University, initially lacking interest in international relations. Yet, after engaging with individuals from different countries, he found a newfound passion for understanding global dynamics, leading him to focus on BRICS cooperation in his graduate studies.
Vitor described BRICS collaboration as a natural, voluntary process without external pressure, characterized by multi-level interactions across political, economic, cultural, educational, and health dimensions. He views the expanded BRICS as an “organic cooperative matrix,” and as he prepares for his master’s thesis, he plans to explore the development trajectories of BRICS and the “BRICS Plus” initiative.
Regarding the expanded “BRICS family,” Vitor expressed hope using the Portuguese word “Esperança,” highlighting the potential for collaborative responses to challenges in pursuit of a more equitable and orderly multipolar world.