Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) ’06
Master of Arts in Education ’10
Taiwan              

Shu-Ching Chang, whose American name is Doris, will graduate this year with a second master’s degree from The University of Findlay.            

After earning a master of arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) in 2006, Chang moved for a brief time to Los Angeles, Calif. She quickly decided, with her family’s support, to return to Findlay to work on a master of arts in education degree with an intervention specialist emphasis and a reading endorsement.

“I’ve traveled to many cities and states in the U.S.,” she said. “There is no place like Findlay.”

Chang was awarded a graduate assistantship with the Office of International Admissions and Services, which helps her live independently while focusing on her studies.

Doris assists a student in the Office of International Admissions and Services.

Part of her duties as a graduate assistant included helping at the international welcome houses for new international students who arrive to start classes at UF. Each welcome house has a graduate assistant who serves as a host to greet new students and help them adjust to their new environment.

“To me, sharing my experiences with those new students and being able to help them during orientation provides me with opportunities to learn different cultures, customs and religions and also builds friendships with them,” said Chang.

Chang says that her responsibilities as both a graduate student and a graduate assistant opened up many opportunities to be involved with the community. She especially enjoyed visiting, observing and teaching in Findlay City Schools, and on campus, Chang has good memories of international night, homecoming, performances by the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, carving pumpkins for Halloween and attending an annual Thanksgiving lunch.

Doris, right, talks about Taiwan at the FCCLA’s annual district meeting on diversity.

For three years, Chang participated in an annual district meeting of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), and in 2010, she was instrumental in coordinating the meeting, which has a focus on introducing diversity to young Americans, through the Office of International Admissions and Services.

Chang sought several international students who were confident enough to speak to a large group about their national flags, geography of their home countries, cultures, religions, holidays, customs, food and education systems.

“Many American students were amazed and surprised by some religions and customs, which created interactive conversations,” she said.

Chang also has been involved with an international business undergraduate program through Tamkang University in Taiwan, which encourages students who complete their sophomore year to continue their junior year overseas. The University of Findlay is one of several partner institutions.

In 2009 while visiting family in Taiwan, Chang had the opportunity to meet some of the students and their parents during a reception on behalf of UF. “They had many questions, worries and concerns,” said Chang. “I was glad that I was able to share my experiences with them and help them know the University and Findlay better.”

When the Taiwanese students arrived in Findlay, Chang helped them move into dorms and welcome houses, and continued to help them transition to Findlay by guiding them through opening bank accounts, purchasing cell phones and even finding apartments.

Chang says she will leave Findlay with many good memories. “Leaving UF means that I am leaving the city I have fallen in love with,” she said. “I found my second home in Findlay. It will be like leaving my family when I leave UF.”

“The University promises to prepare students for meaningful lives and productive careers, and it opened a door for me to pursue my dream and offered me opportunities to make it come true. I am very grateful to the faculty, International Admissions and Services and the University for helping make this possible,” concluded Chang.

Chang has been accepted to Kent State University, where she will pursue a doctorate in teaching, learning and curriculum studies beginning in spring 2011.