They were subjects she studied in college more than 10 years ago, but for Mari Carmen Espn from Spain, Chinese - both language and culture -is very much a part of her life.

"In the past years, I have accomplished much in both study and work, and I enjoy a comfortable life in China with my husband," she says. "In return, I would like to bring something new to teaching of language education in our two countries, and help more students learn Chinese."

The 38-year-old blonde speaks fluent Chinese now, compared to the days when she first entered university in 1994. Many of her classmates chose to major in European languages, but she chose to study Chinese.