Ancient capital rekindles Croatian couple's zest for life

At Xi'an Eurasia University, Loncar teaches intercultural communication and project management. Even at the age of 64, she said one particular student has enriched her life.

"The student grew up as a left-behind child in a village. When she first met me in the office, she said that she wanted to tell me something, but could not do so because her English was so poor," Loncar said.

Gradually, both the girl's confidence level and English proficiency began to grow. "She learned English because she wanted to tell her story to me, and she wrote a message to me recently, saying that she is now studying abroad, speaking English and thanked me for changing her life," Loncar said.

"I told my husband that if I came here to China only to change her life, it was worth it."

The duo said they draw strength from the sense of being needed in Xi'an and the university.

"We are really grateful because we have a feeling that we are needed here. Our students need us and we can contribute to Chinese society, culture, education and overall Chinese development with our expertise, knowledge and personalities," Simic said.