10 March 2026

China Through a Student’s Eyes

Why China? The Decision That Changed the Direction of My Studies

How does a country with more than a billion people, one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and a completely different way of thinking function? That was the question that led me to Tsinghua University in Beijing, the highest-ranked university in Asia and one of the most prestigious in the world. I am a second-year student of Business Mathematics and Economics at the Zagreb School of Economics and Management (ZSEM). After successfully completing my first year of studies, I was given the opportunity to go on a student exchange, which I decided to take. ZSEM encourages students to gain international experience, and with the support of the university and my own initiative, I chose to study in China at Tsinghua University. During my studies, I developed strong work habits and discipline, which allowed me to successfully adapt to a demanding international academic environment. Traveling to the other side of the world and entering a completely different system was a challenge, but also an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Untitled design (60)

When the time came to decide on the destination for my exchange, I had just turned 18. I experienced entering adulthood as a new chapter in my life, and the feeling of uncertainty and natural fear of traveling to the other side of the world encouraged me to embrace a new challenge. I was aware that I was going to one of the most globally influential countries of today. China is a country with more than 1.4 billion people, territorially almost comparable to Europe, and, according to purchasing power parity, represents the world’s largest economy. In addition, it has been the world’s largest exporter for years and a key player in global supply chains, which is why it is often described as the “factory of the world” and a global manufacturing superpower. By accepting this challenge, I felt both excitement and determination, aware that going to China represented a step outside my familiar environment and an opportunity for personal and academic growth.

Untitled design (61)

For me, this journey was not only an academic opportunity – I wanted to understand the Chinese mentality and the way of thinking of a society that significantly shapes the modern global economy, whose development has a direct impact on the entire world. I believed it was important to try to understand a system that, through trade, technology, and geopolitics, indirectly or directly influences all of us. Such understanding, I believed, cannot be gained through books or the media; the only real way is through personal experience, living within that system and directly observing its dynamics.

Studying at One of the World’s Best Universities

I spent five months at the university, from September 2025 to February 2026. Tsinghua University is located in Beijing’s Haidian district, known as the city’s academic hub where some of China’s most prestigious universities are situated. With more than 60,000 students, the campus functions as a city of its own. Within it, everything necessary for daily life can be found: from lecture halls, libraries, and student dormitories to a hospital, post office, shops, sports facilities, and restaurants. The campus infrastructure and organization provide students with an environment where they can fully dedicate themselves to learning, development, and collaboration. According to data from Times Higher Education, the university is ranked 12th in the world and 1st in Asia, while the field of economics and business studies is ranked among the top three globally. The fact that it stands at the top of global rankings is clearly reflected in everyday academic life.

Untitled design (62)

Admission to Tsinghua is extremely selective – the acceptance rate among Chinese applicants at the national level is estimated to be approximately 0.1–0.3%, which means that no one arrives there by chance. Once you become part of that system, maintaining a high level of excellence is expected. Competition is intense, and most students spend a large portion of their time studying and working on projects. International students make up only about 11% of the total student population, which further highlights the academic homogeneity and competitiveness of domestic students.

According to data from Times Higher Education, the university is ranked 12th in the world and 1st in Asia, while the field of economics and business studies is ranked among the top three globally. The fact that it stands at the top of global rankings is clearly reflected in everyday academic life.

The program requires dedication and constant engagement, but at the same time it develops the ability for critical and analytical thinking. The focus is not only on acquiring theoretical knowledge, but also on applying quantitative methods and understanding complex economic systems. Students are expected to prepare daily, actively participate in classes, and be able to present well-argued viewpoints. This approach encourages a deeper understanding of the material and develops the ability to view the economy as a globally interconnected system, where decisions made in one country have broader international consequences.

Untitled design (63)

The teaching style differs significantly from what I was used to. The semester begins as early as September and continues uninterrupted until mid-January, without longer breaks, including during the Christmas holiday period. Classes continue without interruption until December 31, and attendance is mandatory in most courses, which means a long period of continuous work leading up to the exam period that begins immediately in January. The pace is very intensive, as regular lectures are accompanied by homework assignments, seminar papers, projects, and midterm exams.

The system requires constant discipline and organization, with little room for postponing responsibilities. Classes were led by professors of a high academic standard, often with international experience and broad research profiles. However, one of the challenges for international students was the relatively limited selection of courses offered in English. Interest in these courses was high, and enrollment took place through the university platform on a “first come, first served” basis, which made it more difficult to register for the subjects I was most interested in. The small number of available courses in English required quick reactions and a well-thought-out enrollment strategy.

Life on a Campus That Functions Like a Small City

In addition to the academic aspect, student life at Tsinghua University is extremely rich and dynamic. The campus is equipped with a large number of sports facilities—from numerous basketball and tennis courts, gyms, and swimming pools to an ice rink and even a skiing simulator. The university is known for the slogan “No sports, no Tsinghua,” which clearly shows that physical activity is considered an integral part of education. Alongside academic excellence, equal importance is placed on physical development, discipline, and maintaining a balance between mental and physical effort. The university strongly encourages students to develop other aspects of their personality alongside intensive studying.

Untitled design-12

Despite the high academic pressure and demanding pace, social life is very active. There are numerous organized events, student clubs, workshops, and themed evenings, but spontaneous gatherings in student dormitories, on sports courts, or in restaurants within the campus are just as common. The energy of the campus can be felt everywhere – something is always happening, and people are open to meeting others and collaborating. The diversity of students, particularly within the international community, allows for encounters with people from different cultures, perspectives, ambitions, and worldviews. In such an environment, it is almost impossible to remain isolated; everyone can find a circle of people with whom they share similar interests and values.

Untitled design-13

Student life is further enriched by a diverse culinary culture, which varies from region to region. On campus, dishes from all parts of China are available, allowing me to experience the breadth and diversity of Chinese cuisine. It is precisely this combination of intensive work, a large and strong community, and everyday cultural diversity that creates an experience that goes beyond the traditional concept of studying and leaves a lasting personal and professional impact.

Untitled design-14

Traveling Across China and Encountering a Society of the Future

During my stay, I took the opportunity to travel in order to better understand the country as a whole. I visited more than ten cities, from Beijing to the southern parts of China, experiencing different cultures, traditions, and ways of life. These experiences allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese society, but they also taught me adaptability, patience, and openness to new perspectives. China is an extremely safe country, and people are open and willing to help, even when there is a language barrier. Throughout my entire stay, I never once felt unsafe, which further strengthened my impression of the high level of security in everyday life. After Croatia, China has become one of my favorite countries – a nation of remarkable diversity and cleanliness, especially in large urban areas. I was particularly impressed by the country’s ability to preserve its rich historical tradition while simultaneously developing the most advanced technologies, without any visible conflict between these two worlds.

Untitled design (66)

Overall, I gained the impression that China is, in many ways, more organizationally and technologically optimized and advanced than much of the rest of the world. Almost everything functions quickly, simply, and digitally. A major role is played by so-called “super apps,” which integrate communication, food delivery, ticket purchases, translation tools, bike rentals, online shopping, and payments in one place. During my stay, I almost never saw the use of cards, and I only noticed cash a few times – most transactions take place exclusively through mobile devices.

It is important to emphasize that cash is neither banned nor unavailable; it is still possible to pay with money everywhere. However, in practice, almost no one uses it because paying with a mobile device is simpler, faster, and more efficient. This level of digital integration made me view administrative and technological efficiency in Europe differently, where processes are often slower and less integrated.

Untitled design (67)

After several months of living this way, the system became completely natural and intuitive to me. I almost felt at home, despite not speaking the language. Everything is designed to be efficient and user-friendly, and the infrastructure further highlights this level of organization. High-speed trains, reaching speeds between 300 and 400 kilometers per hour, connect different parts of the country, while advanced and precise metro systems enable easy movement within large cities. I also experienced riding in an autonomous vehicle, food delivery by drones, and other examples of advanced technology being integrated into everyday life. This level of logistical connectivity leaves a strong impression and demonstrates how systematically the country invests in the long-term functionality of society.

Untitled design (68)

From Beijing to Paris: Continuing an International Academic Journey

After returning to Croatia, I continued my studies at ZSEM, where alongside my regular academic obligations I actively participate in various projects and work on further professional development, including the search for an international internship. As a continuation of my international education, I have been accepted for an exchange at ESSEC Business School in Paris, one of the leading business schools in France. Continuing my education at ESSEC is a natural next step in my international academic journey, where my goal is to understand the world from different perspectives and connect them into one broader picture.

Untitled design (69)

My time at Tsinghua University significantly shaped my view of the world, as the experience of living and studying in a different cultural and social context encouraged me to think beyond national and European frameworks and to view economic and social processes within a broader, global context. During that period, I became aware that Europe is not the center of the world and that global changes are occurring faster than Europe often perceives, which naturally influenced the way I now view and shape my own academic and professional path.

Blog

Roko Režić

Kako je frustracija u trejdanju postala biznis ideja

Roko Režić, a ZSEM student and co-founder of Trader, is building an app changing how traders learn.
Benjamin Koljanin

MBA Without Borders: How I Built a New Dimension of My Career While Working in Liechtenstein

Benjamin Koljanin on combining an MBA with a career abroad and expanding his professional perspective.
Enrino Škiljan

Young Entrepreneur Using AI to Change the Way Decisions Are Made

Enrino Škiljan is a ZSEM student who develops his entrepreneurial ambitions through AI projects.