Azerbaijani youth always successfully represent our country with their academic and personal achievements. Their successes serve to increase the name and reputation of our country. Today, we will talk to one of those successful young people. For many years, Sadig Gachayev has dedicated much his academic life to China, one of the most interesting countries in the world. He received his master's degree from one of the top Chinese universities and plans to soon receive his PhD degree from China as well.
Q1: Could you please introduce yourself?
A: My name is Sadig Gachayev, currently pursuing my PhD in Public Administration at the School of Humanities and Law (School of Public Administration) at Yanshan University in Qinhuangdao city, China. I first came to China in 2016 through the Chinese Government Scholarship and completed my master’s degree at one of the top Chinese universities, Beijing Normal University. Over the past almost nine years, I’ve gained not only academic knowledge but also a deep appreciation for Chinese culture, values, and the development path. My PhD research focuses on international transport corridors and their policy and governance challenges under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Apart from my academic work at Yanshan University, I’ve been actively involved in cultural exchange programs, forums, and academic conferences representing both Azerbaijan and the international students of Yanshan University. I strongly believe in the power of intercultural dialogue, and I have used every opportunity that I had during my years in China to bridge mutual understanding between Chinese and foreign students. This journey has been both academically and personally unforgettable for me.
Q2: Why did you choose to study in China?
A: Honestly, this is a deep and important question for me, and if I start explaining everything, one interview is not going to be enough to complete my answer (laughing). I always had a special interest in Asia and its rich history. But especially with China, my first interaction was 17 years ago in 2008. In August 2008, I was watching the Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony. I think a lot of people from my generation or people a little bit older than me remember that amazing Olympics, especially the opening ceremony. I was mesmerised and even I could say I fell in love with Beijing. I was so touched that I was thinking Beijing is China, China is Beijing. There are no other places in China. Of course, this was due to my emotions at that time.
Then I started to read a lot of books, any kind of information and news about Beijing, watched thousands of videos, documentaries and movies. I set a goal for myself: one day I will see Beijing. Again, just Beijing, not the whole of China. In 2015, the Azerbaijani and Chinese governments started a new academic exchange program called “Intergovernmental Scholarship Programs”, which is also known as the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC Scholarship) worldwide. In 2016, I successfully passed all the procedures and got admission from Beijing Normal University to study for a master’s degree under the CSC Scholarship. It was an amazing chance for me to realise my dream of seeing Beijing.
But also, it was the privilege to study in a high ranking university with a high ranking scholarship. There is a very nice Chinese saying 守得云开见月明 (shǒu dé yún kāi jiàn yuè míng). This is the best poetic way to say "good things come to those who wait patiently." So, I achieved that dream.
Moreover, I have to say that China's scholarships for international students, especially the Chinese Government Scholarships, are generous and well-structured, offering high-quality education, free accommodation, and living support. The exposure to top Chinese universities and a multicultural environment also means you grow professionally and personally. I felt that coming here, to this country, choosing China was not just a step in my academic path, but also a strategic move to understand one of the key countries in the world.
China intrigued me with its global vision and ancient culture. I saw it as a country that perfectly blends tradition with rapid modernisation. As someone interested in international cooperation and policy, studying in China gave me the chance to witness one of the world’s most dynamic systems of governance and development. Besides, China and Azerbaijan share strong diplomatic and economic ties, so gaining expertise here means I’ll be better equipped to contribute to future collaborations between our countries. As you know, just a few weeks ago, President Ilham Aliyev paid a state visit to China. This visit is a huge milestone in China-Azerbaijan relations. Two leaders signed the “Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People’s Republic of China” in Beijing, which is a great achievement in China-Azerbaijan friendship. Time proved that I’m 100% right in my choice (laughing).
Q3: Could you please tell us something about the university where you are doing your PhD?
A: Yanshan University is a nationally recognised key university jointly established by the People’s Government of Hebei Province, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. It is also a prominent member of the Cooperation Consortium of Beijing High Technology Universities.
It is one of the universities under the national ‘Double First-Class’ initiative and has a strong reputation for research and innovation. With a focus on cultivating global talents and promoting high-level academic research, YSU provides an inclusive academic environment, advanced resources, and excellent supervision, which greatly support the academic journey of international students.
Additionally, YSU’s strategic location in Qinhuangdao, a coastal city with a peaceful atmosphere and affordable living, provides the perfect environment for focused research. The university also encourages students to participate in academic exchanges, competitions, and publishing, which are vital for any PhD student aiming to make a mark in their field. We have beautiful seaside and a lot of touristic places as well.
Yanshan University was established in 1920 as Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), and in 1997 it became the current Yanshan Univeristy. YSU actively promotes the opening-up of education to the outside world and builds a high-quality global core partnership network. The university has established cooperative relationships with over 100 high-level universities and scientific research institutions in more than 30 countries and regions to carry out a wide range of programs such as joint education, teacher exchanges and scientific research. I can tell you one very interesting nuance that I’m the first and only Azerbaijani student in Yanshan University’s more than 100 years of history. I’m honoured to have this responsibility to represent Azerbaijan in this university.
Q4: What have been the biggest challenges and rewards of studying abroad in China?
A: At first, the language barrier and cultural differences were tough - I won’t lie. But I took it as an opportunity to grow. Learning Chinese was a big achievement for me, and it helped me connect with local students and professors. The reward? A much wider worldview, stronger academic discipline, and friendships that stretch across cultures. Living in China taught me patience, discipline, adaptability, and how to thrive in new environments. I have attended dozens of academic, cultural and field-related activities organised by Yanshan University’s different schools or other organisations across China. Just a few days ago, I had a chance to attend a very nice event-meeting that was organised by the School of International Education of Yanshan University. I shared my personal experience, how I managed my academic and personal success in China with more than 100 outstanding Chinese students. It was also a good opportunity to let those students know about Azerbaijan and understand an international student’s perspectives.
Although I had some difficulties and several challenges, but over time, I became more comfortable and even started mentoring other international students. The academic support, combined with a rich cultural experience—from traditional festivals to technological innovation—made my time here deeply rewarding. I can confidently say that studying abroad has made me more independent and globally minded.
Q5: How do you plan to apply your education in the future?
A: My goal is to contribute to Azerbaijan’s successful development, particularly in public administration and regional transport development. I believe that with China’s experience in infrastructure and policy innovation, there’s a lot Azerbaijan can learn and adapt. I want to become a bridge between Azerbaijan and China. I also aim to continue academic research and publish more scholarly work that bridges the knowledge gap between China and Central Asia, including Azerbaijan. My PhD research focuses on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route or Middle Corridor, and I hope to develop practical policy recommendations that could enhance regional connectivity. In the future, I also envision mentoring students and contributing to public policy reforms that drive sustainable development in Azerbaijan and beyond.
Q6: What advice would you give to Azerbaijani youth who are thinking about studying abroad, especially in China?
A: I’d say— go for it, but come prepared. It’s not just about academic learning; it’s about personal transformation. Learn the basics of the language; it is hard, but the Chinese language is the language of opportunities; stay open-minded, and respect the culture. If you do that, you’ll not only gain a degree but also a deeper understanding of yourself and the world. China has so much to offer—education, opportunity, and inspiration.
Also, make sure you set clear goals for yourself before you come. It’s easy to get lost in a new environment without a plan. Participate in student activities, seek out internships, and take initiative in research. There will be challenges, but each one will teach you something valuable. Most importantly, stay proud of where you come from and use your voice to represent your country, Azerbaijan, positively. Because each of us who is studying abroad is Azerbaijan’s ambassador to represent the Land of Fires.
I could say another Chinese saying now, which is “读万卷书，不如行万里路" (Dú wàn juǎn shū, bùrú xíng wàn lǐ lù). It means, experience is something you can't learn from books. Simply, you should come and see and experience everything yourself.
Q7: Obviously, it is not easy to be always motivated, inspired and being on track. Who are those people support your journey?
A: Absolutely. I owe a great deal of gratitude to my family-parents, brothers and my lovely wife and daughter. They are my biggest motivation and inspiration. I’m quite thankful to my PhD supervisor, Professor Liu Bangfan, for his professional and tireless academic guidance and mentorship. He is not just a high-level professor, but also a very nice person. He always invites me to attend many academic and professional activities. I also want to thank the team at the School of International Education, I simply call that school the International Students Office—especially our Dean, Ms Zhang Wenli and her team for always being supportive and being on the students’ side to help international students feel at home. Their kindness made a real difference in my life here in China. I’m sure my dream will come true very soon. Thank you!
Interviewed by AzVision.az
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