Asia's growing relevance in producing knowledge applied to the great challenges of the 21st century is undeniable. China, in particular, has positioned itself as one of the main hubs for research and policy formulation on oceans, climate change, and environmental governance.
With this conviction, Cristián Castillo, a master's thesis student at the Millennium Nucleus ICLAC, decided to continue his training in that country. Recently, he began his studies in the Doctorate in Marine Affairs at the Institute of Coastal and Ocean Management at Xiamen University, an institution recognized among the top 30 in the world in areas such as environment and oceanography.
"I chose China because it has developed a comprehensive vision that combines scientific development, international cooperation, and sustainable management of global resources", he explains. "From my background in international relations, I am interested in understanding this new way of approaching marine affairs from a global and cooperative perspective, considering our country's interests in Antarctica and the high seas".
Regarding the Doctorate program, Castillo highlights its interdisciplinary approach, designed to integrate basic sciences, marine sciences, and social sciences: "Thanks to the program's approach, I can integrate tools such as game theory to understand how countries cooperate in creating marine protected areas in the Southern Ocean and in international waters".
This topic, he notes, is closely related to his research on cooperation between Chile and China in the sustainable management of Antarctic maritime space and the Southeast Pacific. "Studying in Xiamen offers me the possibility of generating a solid foundation to promote sustainable marine policies", he states.
The Experience of Living in Xiamen
Beyond academics, adapting to the city of Xiamen, located in Fujian Province (southeast China), has been marked by contrasts. While one of the greatest challenges has been getting used to the high humidity and temperature, Castillo highlights the experience with the local community: "Certainly, order and security deserve a special chapter, as with these elements, the necessary foundations can be established to create a prosperous society and a community based on respect," he reflects. "This is expressed in everyday life through respect for others' space, without annoying noises and maintaining cleanliness".
He also emphasizes the ease of carrying out procedures (university, immigration, and banking) and access to technology available to citizens. Additionally, he highlights the culture of public space use: "The aesthetic care of gardens and paths for walking or cycling has motivated me to have a more active life. The Chinese population, regardless of their condition and age, takes advantage of public space and appropriates it for personal development".
Cultural Exchange
Currently, most international students in China come from Africa and other Asian nations, followed by Europeans. For Cristián Castillo, increasing the presence of Latin Americans is fundamental.
"I think it's important to strengthen the dissemination of study opportunities in China, considering that there are different options, universities, scholarships, and even costs are considerably lower than in other parts of the world", he notes.
From his perspective, the future of bilateral relations depends on a fundamental pillar that goes beyond economics: "The definitive development of bilateral relations does not lie in economic integration, which to a large extent already exists, but in cultural rapprochement, where the exchange of students and workers will contribute to strengthening ties".
In his observations over these months, Chile enjoys a positive image. We are "the country of cherries," "that country that is very long and very far away, but very beautiful", and recognized for our "excellent wines" and sporting achievements.
Studying in China
For those considering China as a graduate study destination, Castillo offers a central recommendation: strategy..
"Start with a map—I recommend the one on Wikipedia about ‘Double-First Class Universities’ (universities that receive formal state support). Establish a limited number of universities considering geography, climate, food, and culture," he advises.
The next step is to find potential supervising professors, since, as he explains, "the pre-admission letter is vital to have options for obtaining funding." Finally, he emphasizes the importance of preparation of documents (apostilles, translations) and persistence: "Finally, patience, but also presence and interest. If there is no response, consider calling and speaking in English to international offices (ideally in Chinese if you know the language) to resolve questions. This may or may not provide a certain possibility of being admitted or obtaining funding. That was precisely my case".