Adapting to life in China

Tunohole MungobaRosina Amuste, currently studying business administration at Liaoning University in Shenyang, China, is 19-year-old YouTuber who documents her life as a student. “I started studying in September 2018, after applying through an agency, and was not required to take a language test since the course is offered in English. “I completed my grade 12 at Combretum Trust School in Windhoek. I was inspired to go for business administration, as everything I do and the services I offer, like being a make-up artist, have to with business. I figured I might as well study something business-related and grow into it,” says Amuste.She says studying abroad and being away from home is something that is glorified, but there are a few struggles she has grown through and wanted to share with other Namibians who are considering pursuing their studies in a foreign country. “It is very easy to fall into depression when you are away from home. You miss being surrounded by familiar faces and it is not cheap to go back home whenever you miss it. “Students are extremely suicidal because of financial constraints. Students who come from wealthy backgrounds do not really experience these struggles,” she says.“There are students who easily fall into alcoholism and drug abuse, because back home their parents are often strict, so they let their freedom get to them and this often leads to the abuse of dangerous substances.”Amuste says some students become prostitutes to help fund their studies. “In China, students are not allowed to work, so this makes it difficult for us to make a living for ourselves, especially for us who fund our studies ourselves.”She says the language barrier is also a challenge, since most Chinese in her city cannot speak any English. “This makes it extremely difficult to communicate, especially when you are searching for directions and things of that nature.”In Shenyang there is only one international university and according to Amuste this is makes it difficult to meet other students from different walks of life. “My city is also very small and I know every corner of it. This disadvantages me a lot, as I really enjoy travelling and exploring new places,” Amuste says.She sustains herself by doing make-up for students at her university and also works with different brands on her YouTube channel.“My channel started as a hobby. I really like taking videos and photos, so I decided to start a channel. I do not do it as a job, but more as entertainment for me,” she says.Her channel currently has 6 000 subscribers, and in a month, up to 10 companies email her about collaborations.They usually use her to promote their make-up, hair and clothing products. “I also get a little bit of revenue from that.”Amuste advises Namibian students to always do research on where they are going to study and make sure they have enough funds saved to sustain themselves.

Adapting to life in China

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Namibian Sun 2026-04-16

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Adapting to life in China

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Namibian Sun 2026-04-16

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