"Laowai" in China | Algerian student pursues TCM studies in China

HEFEI, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- At the medicinal herb specimen museum of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Kerbouche Abdeldjalil, a sophomore majoring in pharmacy, concentrates on learning the characteristics of the herbs.

The young man from Algeria studied biochemistry in his home country. He discovered Chinese herbal medicines that had some connection with his field of study and developed a strong interest in them.

In 2024, Abdeldjalil passed an examination and got the opportunity to study traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in China. With the help of his teachers and classmates, he quickly adapted to the new cultural environment. “Studying here has deepened my understanding of medicine,” Abdeldjalil said. “I hope to bring the knowledge I have learned to Algeria, promoting the research and application of Chinese herbal medicines there.”

Kerbouche Abdeldjalil (2nd R) studies with his classmates at Anhui University of Chinese Medicine in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Yu)

Kerbouche Abdeldjalil learns to identify the traditional Chinese herb Huangqi, or Astragalus root, at Anhui University of Chinese Medicine in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Yu)

Kerbouche Abdeldjalil (R) learns Chinese herbal medicines under the guidance of lecturer Pan Yinxing at Anhui University of Chinese Medicine in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Yu)

Kerbouche Abdeldjalil (R) listens to lecturer Pan Yinxing's lesson at Anhui University of Chinese Medicine in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Yu)

Kerbouche Abdeldjalil (2nd R) studies with his classmates at Anhui University of Chinese Medicine in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Yu)

More than 140 students from around the world are systematically learning TCM theory at the School of Humanities and International Education Exchange at Anhui University of Chinese Medicine. The school provides bilingual courses combining TCM theories and clinical practice for international students. Meanwhile, various cultural activities have been organized for them to enhance their understanding of TCM.

So far, some graduates have returned to their home countries and are working in local healthcare services.

Pan Yinxing (1st L), a lecturer from Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, teaches international students to take the patient's pulse at Anhui University of Chinese Medicine in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Yu)

Pan Yinxing (1st R), a lecturer from Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, teaches international students to use a steelyard in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Yu)

Pan Yinxing (L), a lecturer from Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, explains acupoints to students in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Yu)