The obstacles encountered can be uniquely Chinese, he says. The lack of distinction between the sounds "l" and "n", for example, pervades many parts of China. A Chinese teacher knows how to fix it "in one stroke" - an ability only someone who teaches thousands of Chinese can grasp.

Mei has been with Beijing Foreign Studies University throughout his career. The prestigious school's alumni are now pillars of China's diplomatic structure, among other important fields.

While proud of them, he says a school education can only lay a foundation. Whether they ultimately become interpreters for senior leaders or executives for international businesses will depend on many factors, he adds, which include opportunities, the ability to adapt and change direction - and chance.

Switching from language as a tool to the study of all things American, Mei, who is director of BFSU's American Studies Center, is often consulted on news events, such as the upcoming presidential election.

Speaking of Donald Trump, the Republican front-runner, he says populism is indeed on the rise in the US.

"When liberalism reaches an extreme, conservatism comes out in response. This happened when Ronald Reagan was first elected to the White House. The urge for change has carried on to the present day. The public is fed up with the establishment."

However, an edge at this stage for Trump does not translate into a similar lead next summer, he cautions.

"It's still early to reach a conclusion as to who will win. But the sentiments for someone singing a different tune definitely say something about what's happening in that country."

When it comes to possible changes in the US' China policy, Mei says that any incoming US president will have to be "pragmatic" once he or she takes office.