The decision to apply for a student exchange stemmed from my desire for personal and professional growth. The idea of going to China was first suggested by my dean, who emphasized how valuable this experience could be for me. At first, I was hesitant—not because I doubted the idea, but because it was a huge step outside my comfort zone. However, I decided to take on the challenge, and now, looking back, my only regret is that I ever had any doubts. This exchange allowed me to broaden my horizons, experience an entirely new culture, and gain experiences that will benefit me for a lifetime.
Arriving in China was a true cultural shock—but in the best possible way. Everything was different: the language, the food, and the way of life. However, instead of feeling discouraged, I quickly adapted and genuinely enjoyed exploring. Each day brought something new, and I embraced the challenge of learning about Chinese culture and customs. The people were incredibly welcoming, which made the adjustment process much easier. I was fascinated by the energy of big cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou, while the smaller city of Haining provided a peaceful environment, ideal for focusing on my studies and personal development.
Studying at ZIBS (Zhejiang International Business School) differs from ZSEM primarily in academic approach and business environment. ZSEM offers a strong foundation in Western business principles with a focus on case study analyses and interactive discussions, while ZIBS provides deeper insights into the Asian market and digital economy.
ZIBS stands out by connecting academic knowledge with practice through visits to leading Chinese companies and lectures from industry experts. Its interdisciplinary approach allows for a better understanding of global trends, whereas ZSEM offers a strong international network and opportunities to apply Western business models.
Both institutions provide excellent education, but ZIBS gave me new experiences and helped me understand the specifics of the Chinese business environment, perfectly complementing the knowledge I gained at ZSEM.
One of the most remarkable moments was visiting Ant Group – Alibaba Headquarters in Shanghai, where I saw cutting-edge innovations firsthand and had conversations with top experts. Additionally, visiting factories owned by friends I met in China gave me valuable insights into the local business model. Traveling to one of these factories by helicopter—owned by the company itself—made the experience even more extraordinary.
Becoming an ambassador for Zhejiang University in the Balkans further enriched my experience. Studying at one of Asia’s most prestigious universities opened doors to incredible opportunities, connected me with professionals from the business world, and taught me the importance of networking. China showed me that opportunities are everywhere—we just need the courage to seize them.
This exchange profoundly changed me, both personally and professionally. First and foremost, I became more adaptable and capable of handling different situations. Facing language barriers and different ways of thinking daily taught me patience and resourcefulness. Additionally, I gained a broader understanding of global business trends and how business operates in China—an invaluable experience for someone aspiring to build a career in an international environment. This experience also reinforced the importance of networking—connecting with people and building professional relationships can open doors to incredible opportunities.
Currently, I am on my second student exchange at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, which represents another extraordinary experience in my academic and professional development. With its outstanding reputation and dynamic environment, NTU offers me the chance to explore the Asian market even further and gain new insights that will benefit me in the future.
After completing my studies, I plan to pursue a master’s degree to further deepen my knowledge and skills. In the long run, my goal is to contribute to the development and improvement of my family business, utilizing the experiences and connections I have gained through international exchanges. This exchange has once again confirmed how important it is to step outside one’s comfort zone, embrace the unknown, and continuously work on self-improvement. Every experience, challenge, and new person I meet only strengthens my desire to keep exploring and growing.
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