In 2009, Alex Rivera arrived in Mianyang, Sichuan province, to teach Spanish at Southwest University of Science and Technology (SWUST). He carried little more than curiosity and a willingness to embrace the unknown. 16 years later, he is a deeply rooted member of the community, an educator, a cultural bridge-builder and a storyteller committed to fostering mutual understanding between China and his native Chile.

From his early days as a language instructor in Mianyang, Rivera expanded his role organically. He taught Latin American anthropology, led the Spanish program, and by 2018 had become the university's coordinator for all foreign faculties. His impact extends far beyond the classroom. He played an important role in establishing a sister-city relationship between Anzhou District in Mianyang and Caldera, Chile, a partnership grounded in shared values, educational exchange, and people-to-people ties. For this quiet diplomacy, he was awarded the Sichuan Friendship Award in recognition of his contribution to promoting international exchanges in 2025.

"I received this important award for helping bring countries together through diplomacy, collaboration, and genuine friendship," he told Science and Technology Daily. To him, this award is not just a recognition, it will encourage him to keep doing the same work.

As a teacher, Rivera has gained great popularity among students. Central to his philosophy is the belief that education must prepare students not only academically, but for the realities of life. He challenges conventional teaching methods by replacing rote group assignments with dynamic team projects that mirror professional environments. "In the real world," he tells his students, "you don't just split tasks equally. You collaborate with people based on strengths. That's the essence of teamwork." His courses emphasize 21st-century skills: cross-cultural communication, creativity, leadership, and adaptability, qualities, all essential for students who may one day teach Chinese abroad or work in international settings.

What surprises many students is that English is not Rivera's first language. "My native language is Spanish," he reveals on the first day of class. By sharing his own journey as a lifelong language learner, he empowers students to see challenges as part of growth, not failure.

Beyond academia, in 2023, Rivera co-founded Geeksy Studio, a bilingual platform dedicated to telling nuanced Chinese stories to global audiences. As the platform's creative director, he rejects the instant gratification of viral trends, insisting every production carries educational value. "I'm an educator. There must be components, such as historical context, cultural insight, or lessons in cross-cultural understanding," he said. Whether documenting intangible heritage fairs or exploring local landmarks like the Yuewang Tower, his content always asks: What 21st-century skill does this convey?

His decision to remain in Sichuan province was never premeditated. Initially motivated by a sense of adventure and planning to return to Chile after just one year, he hesitated before accepting the offer. "China felt so distant —both culturally and geographically," he recalls. "But my curiosity won out. I thought, 'Let's try it for a year.'" That year became two, then three and then he was in it for life. The university supported his growth, offering roles that mirrored his past leadership in Chile.

"The university's commitment to international faculty development is unparalleled. "Rivera said. SWUST has established a comprehensive ecosystem to empower international faculty. Strong institutional support in administration and integration has allowed him to focus on education, research, and cross-cultural work, transforming his expertise into practical international collaboration.

Over 16 years, he has witnessed China's transformation firsthand. When he arrived, cash was king; today, even street vendors display QR codes. "The pace of development is staggering," he notes, "but what matters most is how technology serves daily life, making it easier, safer, more connected."

Now, as he plans eight new video series through 2026, covering science, heritage, and everyday life across China, Rivera has not lost sight of his core mission: education through authentic storytelling.

In an era when cross-cultural ties can feel fragile, Rivera's story reminds us that real connection takes time and effort. He often says China has always welcomed him with open arms. But he also believes that being the recipient of that kindness isn't enough. "If a country opens its doors to you," he says, "the least you can do is walk through them with an open heart and an open mind."