When people think about having an international life, the first image that often comes to mind is moving to another country. The allure of new landscapes, cultures, and opportunities can be powerful. However, as someone who has lived in China since 2018, working in international education and acting as a bridge between institutions and students worldwide, I must ask: Is moving abroad enough to develop a truly international mindset? My answer is a resounding no.
When I was invited to contribute to this newsletter, I wasn’t sure where to begin. Despite having lived and taught in China for the past 12 years, I don’t consider myself an academic. Instead, I see myself as more of a hands-on worker—a farmer type. It’s an image my colleagues often joke about, and I embrace it because, like farming, teaching demands hard work and dedication. During my time in China, I’ve worked in three distinct settings, each with its own lessons and challenges.
Dr. Berthold M. Kuhn is a political scientist and expert in international cooperation and ethical investment, focusing on climate policies, sustainability, and global megatrends. He has held professorships at Leiden University, Tsinghua University, and Xiamen University and conducts research at Freie Universität Berlin. He has also worked for UN organizations, the European Commission, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and various think tanks and international consulting firms. Dr. Kuhn is based in the low-carbon city of Xiamen in South China. For inquiries, he can be reached at berthold.kuhn@t-online.de | www.innovateCo.de
Pablo González López 龚倾宇 was born and grew up in the mountains of Madrid. He has a deep interest in culture, language, and religion and philosophy. Pablo speaks Spanish (native), English (bilingual) and Mandarin (HSK5). He holds a BA in Creative Writing and Study of Religions from Bath Spa University (UK) and an MA in Chinese Philosophy and Culture from Fudan University (China). His research topics include comparative theology, inter-religious dialogue, and the relationship between religion and politics. al or cultural project I undertake.
Nilo Jayoma Castulo is a PhD Candidate in Educational Leadership and Policy at Beijing Normal University, specializing in Comparative Education. He is the only Filipino recipient of the ASEAN-China Young Leaders Scholarship (2022) and actively contributes to global education networks such as the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES). With extensive experience in curriculum evaluation and research, Nilo is a licensed professional teacher in the Philippines and has earned accolades for his academic contributions.
