Katie's journey to Mandarin fluency

Katie holding paper shapes

Katie's journey to Mandarin fluency

Katie Moore, Ecology and Conservation with a Year in Mandarin.

Opening doors

For University of Kent student Katie Moore, learning Mandarin is opening doors to new relationships, academic growth and a future in wildlife conservation.

A trip to the Chinese Embassy

Standing inside the Chinese Embassy in London, surrounded by striking architecture, fine artwork and design that place Chinese history and culture at the heart of a working diplomatic space, Katie Moore had the opportunity to reflect on her recent experience in China.

Katie took part in the 2026 Study Tour China Programme, the success of which was celebrated at the Embassy event early in October. The programme formed part of the Study Tour Pioneering Scheme for China–UK Youth Mobility, which promotes intercultural collaboration and youth mobility.

The trip was particularly relevant to Katie’s academic interests. Her original degree is in wildlife conservation and ecology, and she hopes to work in conservation involving pandas.  

While she had originally planned to undertake a Year in Industry, she instead chose to spend a year studying Mandarin—an academic challenge that she feels will strengthen both her studies and future career options.  

Katie standing next to Study Tour Pioneering Scheme: China to UK sign.

I’m really excited to see how high a level I can get to—both linguistically and personally.

Katie Moore, Ecology and Conservation BSc with a Year In Mandarin

A way to connect

Katie’s decision was also shaped by personal experience. Her boyfriend is Chinese, and his family speaks Mandarin at home. Learning the language has therefore become a way for Katie to communicate more meaningfully with them and take part more fully in family life.

“Not everyone speaks English,” Katie says. “Learning Mandarin will give me another level of connection with them.”

Her interest in Mandarin is also closely tied to her fascination with Chinese food and culture. Through language learning, she hopes to engage more thoughtfully with everyday life and the people around her, while building the confidence to participate fully in new settings.

Katie smiling in a Chinese dragon parade costume.

An opportunity to explore your passion


By becoming a fluent speaker, Katie wants to be able to “have a presence in the room”—something that matters in personal relationships, academic life and future professional settings.

“What excites me most is having the best opportunity to spend as much time as possible diving into my biggest passion, with teachers who are truly excellent and exceptional,” she says.

The progress has already been significant. Katie has noticed improvements in both her confidence and memory, and is looking forward to seeing how far she can progress by January.

“I’m really excited to see how high a level I can get to—both linguistically and personally.”

For Katie, Mandarin is not simply a “nice-to-have” skill on her CV. It is a bridge to family, an opportunity for academic growth, a deeper connection with Chinese culture, and a fundamental stepping stone of her future in conservation.

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