Junlong Wang

About Junlong Wang

Originally from China, Junlong Wang moved to the United States at sixteen for high school and now studies International Relations at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Bologna, Italy. Having grown up between two worlds, he carries a deep-rooted affection for both China and the United States and seeks to serve as a bridge between them through conflict preventive diplomacy and public diplomacy He is the founder of the Bridge Cultural Exchange Academy (BCEA), a youth-led initiative that empowers people to develop their “Global Intelligence (GQ)” and become citizen diplomats in their communities through exchange, dialogue, and narrative. Under his leadership, BCEA has hosted five Global Intelligence Summits for over 250 students from 27 countries, launched chapters in Beijing, Geneva, and Los Angeles, and engaged more than students worldwide. Currently, Junlong and his team are producing a short op-doc series highlighting citizen diplomats across the U.S, Europe, and China.Beyond BCEA, Junlong serves on the Rising Professionals Committee of the Public Diplomacy Council of America, is a member of the Alliance for Peacebuilding, Council on Tech and Social cohersion, and an Enlight China Fellow at the Watson Institute, which is a global fellowship and accelerator that equips emerging changemakers with leadership trainingJunlong graduated from the University of Southern California in 2025, and in his free time, Junlong enjoys jogging through Bologna’s historic streets, baking, or playing with his cat at home.

Experience

1. Founder

   The Bridge Cultural Exchange Academy

   Apr 2022 — Present · Los Angeles, CA, US

   In 2022, I and other USC spring admit students and I founded the Bridge Cultural Exchange Academy, which is the first student-run citizen diplomacy organization at USC. As of 2025, it has chapters in Beijing, LA, DC, and Bologna -1. Conceptualized and executed 3 online cultural exchange summits, engaging 150 students from 15 countries to disrupt cultural stereotypes and cultivate skills in cross-cultural interaction, global citizenship, and adaptability within 20•••••32. Conducted a comparative analysis of pre-and post-event survey data to assess program effectiveness, leading to strategic adjustments and a significant boost in student satisfaction from 7.5/10 to 8.9/10 for the 3rd Cultural Exchange Summit 3. Secured 15 prominent speakers from various sectors, including public diplomacy pioneer Nicholas Cull and UK Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsey Hoyle, enhancing student exposure to global diplomacy4. Forged partnerships with 20 public diplomacy and educational entities, co-hosting events to empower student diplomats5. Secured Funding for 2 operation years from corporate and NPO sponsors, school fund, and scholarships.6. Identified and mentored 3 exceptional students to establish local chapters, reaching to students.7. Led targeted online marketing campaigns for Summits, engaging over students from 15+ countries.

Education

• University of Southern California

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, International Relations and Affairs

  2021 — 2025

• Watson Institute

  Flagship Fellowship , Social entrepreneurship

• Bishop Walsh School

  High School Diploma

• Geneva Graduate Institute

  Undergraduate Exchange, Global Governance

• Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)

  Master of Arts - MA, International Relations and Affairs

  2025 — 2027