Croatians Interest in Learning Chinese Language Growing – Now 1,200 Students

Chinese tourists, complete with selfie stick, in front of Zagreb Cathedral

More and more Croatians are learning the Chinese language and aspects of the Chinese culture…

Only a couple of years ago you could count the number of students learning the Chinese language in Croatia on one hand. More and more people however today are recognising the potential and are interested in learning the language, as well as essential parts of the Chinese culture.

With Croatian products, most notably wines, starting to break into the huge Chinese market, and the increase in Chinese tourists coming to Croatia, highlighted by the introduction of charter flights from China to Croatia next month, the ability to converse and understand parts of the Chinese culture could prove beneficial.

In just three cities in Croatia – Zagreb, Varaždin and Dubrovnik – there are more than 1,200 students studying the Chinese language and culture through the Confucius Institute. The city of Opatija, located on the northern Adriatic coast, has recognised the huge tourist potential and has co-financed a Chinese language and culture programme in the city for locals who want to learn.