My WBL placement at the Foreign Affairs Office of Xi’an Municipal People’s Government has been a transformative experience that allowed me to bridge theory and practice in International Relations. Through direct involvement in drafting documents, conducting research, accompanying delegations, and developing a handbook, I observed firsthand how the relatively homogeneous professional background of cadres influences the office’s ability to engage strategically in foreign affairs.

This experience strengthened my skills in cross-cultural communication, policy analysis, and diplomatic protocol, while also deepening my understanding of city diplomacy as an emerging field in international relations. I gained practical insights into the challenges of balancing central directives with local initiatives and learned how theoretical concepts can inform solutions to real-world problems.

Looking ahead, I aspire to pursue a career in international diplomacy or policy research, where I can continue to apply and expand the skills I developed during this placement. The WBL experience has not only enhanced my professional competence but also reinforced my commitment to contributing to the field of international relations by combining academic knowledge with practical governance.