Speaking the right language

"Over time, I felt it was much easier to get along with people," she said. "It's really hard to understand the local culture and melt in with local people if you can't speak the language."

She later moved to a university in Beijing, where her sister was working for a joint venture.

Naz decided to stay in China when she was offered a job as a broadcaster by her current employer. She works on three programs, which keeps her busy.

"I love this job. The most charming part is that it allows me to meet different people and create programs on a variety of topics," she said. Her favorite topics are music, health, and culture.

Her work also allows her to travel around China and participate in important events.

In 2010, she covered the World Expo in Shanghai, where she had two unforgettable weeks.

"Besides visiting a lot of interesting pavilions, I got to meet many of my compatriots there and learned that exchanges between Pakistan and China are increasing," she said.

Her language skills have been an advantage in her work and have helped her easily fit in with the work culture.

"She has no difficulty communicating with us at all. She always understands our humor, even when we joke in Chinese," said Naz's colleague Chen Xiang.

Naz's easygoing personality has allowed her to make friends with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds, according to Chen.

"She often joins us in different activities. We often celebrate traditional Chinese or Muslim festivals together, and the tasty food she prepares is always keenly anticipated," said Chen.

Naz tries to live a full life in her leisure time, especially through cookery, her favorite hobby. With the help of colleagues from across China, she has learned to cook a range of Chinese dishes.

As her command of Mandarin has improved, Naz has also learned to better appreciate Chinese culture and history, she said.

"After traveling around, I am impressed by the diversity of Chinese society," said Naz. "And as I stay here longer, I can always find something new about the country."

Her long stay in China has allowed her to gain a deep understanding of the country. She was invited to meet with Party leader Xi Jinping in December, to share her views about working as a foreign expert in China.

"I was really impressed by his decision to meet with foreign experts and his appreciation of our work in China. It was one of the greatest moments of my time here," she said.

Naz returns to Pakistan at least once a year during her annual vacation, and shares news of the latest developments in both countries during the reunions with her family.

"I'm keen to tell my friends and family about China's development. My parents say I am more like a Chinese person now, because I keep saying 'China, China, China'," she laughed.

Naz, who is studying for a master's degree in international relations, plans to stay in China with her husband.

"She speaks Chinese very well. It's an advantage for me," said husband Zafar Hussain, who worked as a radio broadcaster in Pakistan. "I think there are lots of opportunities for me and other foreigners, because China is growing fast economically."

liuxiangrui@chinadaily.com.cn