When severe flooding triggered by the DANA storm struck Valencia, Spain, on October 29, 2024, Chinese-language learner Gabriel F. Carcelen (Chinese name: Gao Ming 高明) lost his home, his vehicle, and nearly everything he owned related to China. He did not lose his dream.

"I had to attend Chinese classes online via a tablet while staying in other people's homes, living in a place that wasn't my own," Gabriel recalled. When he needed help most, the Confucius Institute in Valencia provided him with textbooks and funds so he could continue his studies.

Gabriel has studied at the Confucius Institute for many years and continues to do so. His bond with HUST dates back to 2023, when he completed the program of "Chinese Language + Traditional Chinese Sports" at HUST in that summer.

In March 2026, Gabriel was awarded a scholarship from the Center for Language Education and Cooperation under China's Ministry of Education to study at HUST. But the lasting impact of the DANA floods, together with his need to support his family, forced him to give it up.

Gabriel recently shared his story in a letter to Ms. Yan Wei, the admission director at HUST's School of International Education. In the letter, he said he remains in contact with the Confucius Institute in Valencia and continues to study Chinese. He plans to apply to return to HUST for one year of study in September 2027. Looking further ahead, he hopes to help promote HUST to students in Spain, encouraging more people to choose China to learn Chinese and plan their future careers.

Mr. Zhan Jian, the Chair of HUST's School of International Education, said Gabriel's letter vividly reflects the warmth and vitality of international Chinese-language education overseas. Confucius Institutes, he noted, do more than teach language, they offer tangible help at critical moments and serve as a bridge connecting young people across borders. HUST will continue to deepen cooperation with overseas Confucius Institutes and build broader platforms for more international learners of Chinese.

Source: HANNEWS

Editor: Jiajia XUE