Life-changing experience in China

Belgian scholar's insights reflect deep connection with nation's transformation

Editor's note: As the People's Republic of China celebrates the 75th anniversary of its founding this year, China Daily asked prominent international figures to reflect on their relationship with the country and to talk of the direction in which they see it going.

At 18, Dorien Emmers, a Belgian, faced a pivotal decision: which new language to pursue after already studying Greek and Latin. Intrigued by Chinese culture but aware of the language's complexity, she embraced the challenge.

"I like a good challenge," recalled Emmers, now an assistant professor at the Chinese Studies Group and the Department of Economics at KU Leuven, Belgium's oldest university, founded in 1425. She described the decision as being made "just out of curiosity and interest" and "without knowing a lot about China".