Li Yadong, 22, junior at Tsinghua University

Taking a gap year is not as common among Chinese students as it is for Westerners. But Li Yadong, a junior studying journalism, decided to do it. However, he isn't just traveling for fun or self-discovery. He has a plan.

Since August, he has traveled to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda to interview people from Chinese companies in Africa.

"I plan to write about the business of eight Chinese companies in Africa," says Li. "I have finished three of them. Four are in progress. And I haven't started the last one."

Li started after discussing the idea with a dozen startups and journalists following his first visit to Africa in August. He saw advertisements for Chinese brands painted on walls, Chinese products in supermarkets and Chinese mobile phones used by African people.

Li says that Africa is becoming a huge emerging market, and he hopes to provide people outside with business insights from his firsthand experience.

"My report might not be objective, but it will be real," says Li, who plans to visit Tanzania or Ethiopia and return to China in March.

"In the New Year, my resolution is to have more self-control to finish writing a report and to keep focusing on Africa - once in Africa, always in Africa."