One of my Brazilian professors recommendedme applying to the Silk Road School at Renmin University (RUC). He supported my application because of the prestige of the RUC in the social sciences in China and internationally and the strategic importance of the Belt and Road Initiative for Latin America. At that time, I was already studying and researching China and thought it was critical to have a first look at the Chinese development process.

The Silk Road School was a double exchange program since, on the one hand, we had the experience of living in China. And on the other, the program had around 70 students from almost 40 different countries. So we meet with colleagues from all the continents and the most diverse backgrounds.

The program was exciting, and we had the chance to experience different aspects of Chinese culture.

I had the opportunity to visit a couple of cities in China besides Suzhou: Shanghai, Beijing, Xuzhou, Chengdu, Emei Shang, Shaoshan, Changsha, Wuhan, Shenzhen, Macao, Hong Kong, and some little villages around those cities. All the places have charm, and I keep good memories of them. I enjoyed the different cuisines, cultures, and friends’ hospitality.

My favorite city is Suzhou. Since ancient times, Suzhou has been considered one of the most beautiful cities in China and continues to be. It combines futuristic planning and urbanization with the old Chinese tradition and World Heritage sightseeing.

I’m currently doing a Ph.D. in Sociology at Johns Hopkins University. Moreover, I advise some governments in Latin America in development and international affairs and contribute as a journalist in Telam, the Argentine National News Agency.

My graduation from RUC was key for my path to the JHU Ph.D. In my job, my expertise in China has highly valued. My research and life experience at SRS provide me with critical analytical insights for my academic publications. Moreover, my experience as an international analyst in the Global Times helped to start writing for a non-academic and broader audience.

I draft the Memorandum of Understanding to found the Innovation and Science and Technology Policy Binational Center between Argentina and China at the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation of Argentina. My research and experience in the Suzhou Industrial Park were crucial for it. Moreover, I prepare technical documentation for some of the Belt and Road projects that Argentina will finance after signing the BRI in 2022. With a group of researchers, we are writing a book on the 50 years of the bilateral diplomatic relations between Argentina and China.