When Mongolian Sinologist Chimedtseye Menerel embarked on his Chinese-language journey at Beijing Language and Culture University, he never anticipated that thousands of students would be learning from him in Ulan Bator 28 years later.

"Mandarin has become the second most popular language after English in Mongolia. Many Mongolian youths are interested in it," said the 58-year-old, who is now director of the Confucius Institute at National University of Mongolia.

His job is to guarantee the smooth operation of the institution's Chinese education work and to promote Chinese culture in his motherland.