I’ve Learned So Much About China – Cultural Exchange Experience

After four months in Beijing, Dejana, a participant in the “Discover China” program, shares her impressions of life in one of the world’s most fascinating countries:

To truly understand another country, its culture, and its way of life, you need much more than textbooks and documentaries.

My journey began in early October 2018, when I landed in Beijing, determined to get to know the mysterious China through a cultural exchange experience. And there’s no better way to do that than by living with a Chinese family—as an equal member of the household.

It didn’t take long for me to notice the differences, especially when it came to food. I quickly picked up how to eat with chopsticks! Although I’ve always loved Chinese food back home in Serbia, I realized how much more diverse and complex it is when you’re actually here. What we get in the West is just a small glimpse.

One of the best parts of this journey has been learning the language. I attended a local school twice a week with other exchange students, which gave me a chance to meet more people and share stories. The Chinese language feels like a puzzle—and I love that I can play around with words in new ways.

Beijing itself is a city of towering skyscrapers and endless energy. I still remember the sense of pride I felt the first time I made it to the city center all on my own.

And then there’s the metro—especially during rush hour. It’s something else entirely. Imagine hundreds of people racing for a spot on the train and you’ll get a glimpse of the chaos that somehow works like clockwork. I often found myself thinking, “Is this really happening around me right now?”

Visiting the Great Wall of China was one of the most unforgettable moments—it left me absolutely speechless.

I’ve learned so much about China—more than any book could have ever taught me. And this journey has given me a whole new perspective on the world.