Photo provided to China Daily

Pushing students

Briseghellahas observed that China's technologies in bridge construction have improved fast, especially those related to building long bridges. But people in China seem to focus too much effort on ambitious projects, he jokes.

"Whether the project is big or not is not the most important (aspect). Innovation and quality are," says Briseghella, pointing out that in the future more attention should be paid to improve regular-size bridges, which are actually closely related to people's daily lives.

Briseghella's dedicated work won him the Friendship Award in 2013. The award is given to honor foreigners who have made significant contributions to China's economic and social development.

"I was surprised and honored," he says. "The award makes foreign experts like me really feel a part of China. It gives me lots of energy to work harder in the future."

Briseghella, whose contract lasts through 2019, says he hopes he can help the college realize its goals step by step.

Briseghella says he tries to maintain good relations with his students by having them participate in discussions and interactions.

"China is paying great attention to innovation nowadays. I hope I can do something with my students to push forward creativity," he says.

He is excited that his wife has decided to live with him in Fuzhou, with their two children.

He and his family have already toured many Chinese scenic attractions, such as the Great Wall in Beijing and the Terracotta Warriors museum in Northwest China's Xi'an city.

"It's important to have families together," says Briseghella, who is interested in China's history and culture and has started reading books about them.

Contact the writer at liuxiangrui@chinadaily.com.cn