I first began learning Chinese at the very start of secondary school, when I chose it as an elective subject. Back then, I was driven by an irresistible curiosity for new knowledge and a fascination with the unknown. As Chinese is entirely different from the languages we usually encounter, mastering it felt like a challenge I simply couldn’t resist.

Four years later, I was completely captivated by the language and knew without a doubt that I wanted to study Chinese — and nothing else. It was at the Faculty of Philology in Belgrade that my true journey began. Through a range of courses, I delved not only into the language and literature, but also the rich culture, history, geography and cinema of China. Most importantly, I gained a solid foundation in translation and teaching.

The highlights of my studies were two exchange programmes in China, where I was awarded scholarships by the Confucius Institute. These opportunities allowed me to attend classes at Shanghai Open University and Xi’an Jiaotong University. Alongside developing my language skills, I was able to experience everyday life in China first-hand and deepen my understanding of its society and culture.