He is actively engaged in promoting bilateral cooperation in business, cultural exchange, and education, contributing to the comprehensive development and mutual progress between Hungary and China.

In the field of education, Mr. Zou specializes in long-term strategic planning for international education and provides comprehensive guidance for study abroad programs.

Prior to founding PGLC, he taught extensively at the college level and also worked at New Oriental Education & Technology Group, one of the most well-known private educational institutions in China, listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Mr. Zou was also a visiting scholar at University of California, Berkeley, where he collaborated with leading linguists and education experts. He is a senior member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and is dedicated to integrating cutting-edge educational concepts into international school systems in both Beijing and Budapest.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
About 12 years ago, I first came to Hungary for a few visits — and somehow, those visits turned into a long-term stay of more than six years.
Family and work brought me here, and over time, I realized I had every reason to stay.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?

Yes, I’ve worked and spent short periods in different countries, but Hungary is where I’ve truly settled.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?

Hungarians may seem reserved at first, but once you get past the “serious phase,” you find a very genuine kind of warmth. It just takes time to build real connections.

4. Friends are in Budapest for the weekend – what must they absolutely see and do?

Walk along the Danube at sunset, have a coffee near Fisherman’s Bastion, and take a walk at Normafa — enough to fall in love with the city in one weekend.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?

Hungarian fish soup (halászlé) for something hearty, and goose liver when I feel a bit more indulgent.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?

My child is a big fan of Hungarian yogurt — especially the plain one, which we don’t easily find in China.And our fridge always has a mix of Asian groceries too — a small reminder of home.

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?

“Egészségedre.” — probably the longest Hungarian word I can pronounce with confidence.

8. What do you miss most from home?

I miss street food and the energy of night streets in China — the contrast between quiet corners and lively, bustling scenes.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

I genuinely enjoy what I do — and I’m always trying to expand the field rather than change it.
Meeting people and sparking new ideas has always been my passion.

10. What’s a job you would definitely never want?

A job where I cannot see the impact on people. I need to feel that what I do actually changes someone’s life.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?

My last vacation was in Croatia — mostly spending time with family and chasing after my child. It could have been a little more relaxing, if possible. :D

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?

I enjoy spending quality time with my wife — she has excellent taste when it comes to where to go. I’ve learned it’s best to trust her judgment.

13. Apart from temptation, what can’t you resist?

Starting new education projects — and more broadly, anything that helps connect Hungary and China, or even Europe and China, whether through business collaboration or cultural and educational exchange.

14. What was your favorite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

I really enjoyed reading and learning in general. I was someone who would tell my classmates not to date — because it’s important to focus on studies. My wife changed me in the sense that I learned you can still be a serious, lifelong learner while also enjoying life and having fun.

15. Red or white?

I enjoy both. I prefer wine when I want to relax, and Chinese tea when I want to think.

16. Books or films?

Books first. I watch films when I’m tired from thinking through educational or business projects. I enjoy Tom Cruise films.

17. Morning person or night person?

Night planner and morning survivor.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

Equal access to quality education. Talent is everywhere — opportunity isn’t, and bridging that gap is what drives me.

19. Buda or Pest?

They create a good balance, just like in a relationship. However, I think there are more hidden gems in Buda.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?

“Build bridges, not borders.”
Between languages, cultures, schools, and people.
I hope to see a future where more Europeans feel curious about China, and more Chinese families and businesses feel at home in Hungary — that would truly bring me joy.