Jamshed Shamsiev, 19, from Tajikistan, is actively pursuing his ambitions. For the past nine months, he's been immersed in Chinese language and business courses at the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization Institute of Economy and Trade in Qingdao, Shandong province — a strategic stepping stone toward his dream of obtaining a degree in international business taught entirely in Chinese.

"Learning the language in its native environment is accelerating my progress," he said, adding that the institute offers a unique international environment, a modern curriculum, and hands-on opportunities.

"It connects students from SCO-related countries and fosters real intercultural dialogue," he added.