"Poverty alleviation is a topic that is universally recognized and accepted. This is the first time I have traveled to distant regions to witness the achievements made by China in poverty relief and I'm willing to tell the story to more friends and share the Chinese experience with my homeland."

Gala Juan Carlos, a 24-year-old student from Cuba, told his classmates about his experience of a field trip in Jinhua on June 2. 

The field trip was organized by the Foreign Affairs Office of Jinhua Municipal People's Government and Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU) in Jinhua.

Twenty-nine overseas students from 18 countries currently studying at ZJNU participated in the activity.

The event enables expats in Jinhua to learn more about the city and the country's development.

This field trip, which is themed on poverty alleviation, includes trips to the mountainous areas in Wuyi county.

"The poverty alleviation project in Wuyi has not only lifted mountain farmers out of poverty, but has also protected the local environment," said Guo Zhongming, director of Jinhua's foreign affairs office, adding that the project showcased the efforts made by China in poverty relief and bringing happiness to the people.

Overseas students marveled at the achievements made by the poverty alleviation policies.

"This trip has corrected my misconception that Chinese farmers in remote mountainous areas lead a difficult life," said Leng Yutian from the United States. "I never thought that China's mountain farmers could live such a comfortable life in such a short time."

Incomplete statistics show that Jinhua is home to more than 11,000 expats, accounting for one fourth of the provincial total. ZJNU currently has over 2,800 overseas students.

"Although their knowledge about China varies, these overseas students are all interested in Chinese culture and curious about the country's development," said Guo.

More field trips about Jinhua's grassroots governance and industries will be held this year.