A Scholarship for Chinese Nationals to Study International Affairs

Xingyu: Before joining Sciences Po, I developed a deep passion for addressing global environmental challenges through both academic research and hands-on experience. My academic journey began at the China Foreign Affairs University, where I majored in International Organisations and Global Governance, which provided me with a solid foundation in diplomacy and international relations. During this time, I actively engaged in environmental policy studies, conducting research on the interconnectedness of climate change, foreign aid, and poverty eradication.

My professional experiences have further shaped my understanding of global environmental governance. I participated in a high-profile reception project with the Society of Entrepreneurs & Ecology (SEE), where I contributed to cross-sector collaborations between non-profits and businesses for environmental conservation. At the China Development Forum, I had the opportunity to explore China’s green finance strategies, learning about public-private partnerships (PPPs) and their potential in reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, my time at Greenpeace East Asia allowed me to gain deeper insights into climate injustice, as I worked on the carbon tracker database and examined the influence of corporate greenwashing on climate policies. Through this role, I also engaged closely with COP 28 preparations, gaining invaluable exposure to the dynamics of international organisations and how they operate within global climate negotiations.

Huimin: Before attending Sciences Po, I studied human rights law in China at the Southwest University of Political Science and Law, where I received a comprehensive human rights education and gained an international perspective. In 2023, I completed an internship at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) The Gambia, where I focused on democratic governance within the local context. During my time there, I worked closely with UN agencies, government authorities, civil society organisations, and local communities. This experience not only deepened my passion for working at UN agencies but also fostered empathy for the vulnerable groups I served.

It was during this internship that I realised international affairs is a highly complex field.
To effectively serve those in need, particularly at the international level, being driven solely by
passion and values is not enough. It requires a thorough and rational analysis of both
internal dynamics and external actors involved with a country.

Xingyu: I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Environmental Policy. I chose this programme because of its unique interdisciplinary approach, which integrates environmental science with policy and governance, providing the tools necessary to tackle the complex ecological and climate challenges we face today. My experience working with organisations such as Greenpeace and SEE highlighted the pressing need for comprehensive, long-term international environmental policies, as well as the importance of bridging the gap between governments, corporations, and civil society.

Huimin: Currently, I am in my first year of the Master's degree in International Development. I selected this programme because I believe Sciences Po and PSIA will help me gain a clearer understanding of an increasingly complex world. Max Weber has addressed the issue a hundred years ago:  we must first abandon illusions about the world, then learn to understand it scientifically and base our actions on that understanding. Sciences Po embodies this idea.

My experience here, in such an international and diverse environment, reinforces this perspective. Despite the fact that the world no longer has a singular centre, we still live in a world of centralised power. Our values, beliefs, and ideologies are influenced by our respective backgrounds and life experiences. When different values and ideas meet in the same space, they either clash or remain confined to verbal acknowledgement. However, the professors at Sciences Po adhere to the principle of intellectual honesty, encouraging us to observe objectively, verify reliably, reason rigorously, and argue clearly.

Xingyu: I first learned about CSC through my classmates during my undergraduate studies, and I was immediately intrigued. For me, the CSC has been instrumental in two major ways. First, it provided financial support, making it possible for me to pursue my studies in Europe. Second, it guided me toward internships in international organisations. I am fully aware of the responsibilities and opportunities that come with this scholarship. The eligibility requirements and funding criteria influenced my choices when seeking job opportunities, giving me the chance to gain first-hand experience in international organisations.

Huimin: The CSC has long supported Chinese students studying abroad and international students studying in China. I learned about this institution during my research for applying for a UN internship, as they provide financial support to students aspiring to work in international organisations. Naturally, I was thrilled when I found out that CSC collaborates with Sciences Po to offer scholarships to PSIA students. This scholarship has significantly reduced the financial burden of studying in Paris, allowing me to focus more on my academic pursuits. Moreover, the scholarship application process pushed me to reflect on my motivations and goals, making them clearer.

Xingyu: In the future, I see myself actively contributing to the development and implementation of international environmental policies that address the global climate crisis and promote sustainable development. I aim to gain practical experience through field-based environmental projects, focusing on the tangible impacts of policy implementation on the ground. My long-term goal is to work within international organisations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) or the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Huimin: In the future, at a practical level, I aspire to work in international organisations, particularly in the intersection of human rights and development. I also hope to broaden my perspectives and gain more experience by working with NGOs or academic institutions along the way. Ideally, I hope that through my diverse experiences, I can foster genuine understanding among individuals from different backgrounds in both my professional and personal life, rather than relying on the coercive force of power. I hope that my time at Sciences Po will help me work toward realising this vision.