National Changhua University School of Education (NCUE) Internship Program
The School of Education welcomed its third cohort of students from the National Changhua University School of Education (NCUE) for a 6-week internship program on March 13, 2025. Pei-Ci Liao (Peggy), TzuMin Wang (Mia) and Chiao-Tung Hsiao (Bernice) are studying Rehabilitation Counseling at NCUE. While at VCU, they have had the opportunity to connect with faculty and practitioners across multiple departments, both within and beyond the School of Education.
Our NCUE interns have visited multiple classes within the Counseling and Special Education department. They have also had the opportunity to spend a day with faculty in the Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTC) and they have visited the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). This crucial experience has given them a broader understanding of the field and has helped them connect the theories and practices they have learned about with the resources and support provided to individuals with disabilities in professional settings.
Other highlights of this internship program include ongoing case study discussions with Dr. Jared Schultz, Professor and Chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling and an ongoing research project with Dr. Chi-Ning (Nick) Chang, Assistant Professor, Foundations of Education and IESC Faculty Fellow. The students have also had the opportunity to engage with the Mary and Frances Youth Center and present their research at the School of Education’s annual Research Colloquium.
Exploring Richmonds cultural and historical sites
In addition to the numerous learning opportunities, our interns have had the opportunity to explore the city of Richmond and several nearby cultural and historical sites. Highlights include: two trips to Washington, D.C., a trip to Colonial Williamsburg, hiking in the Shenandoah Mountains and a visit to Monticello, a trip to VA Beach to see the Atlantic Ocean Peggy, Mia and Bernice have taken full advantage of VCU’s Outdoor Adventure Program. During their stay, they have gone white water rafting, paddleboarding and camping with our fabulous OAP team!
Our interns have also had the opportunity to learn about life outside of VCU by visiting families in the Richmond area. Five wonderful Richmond families have opened their homes for a day of connection and friendship building! Lastly, Peggy, Mia and Bernice had the opportunity to share their Taiwanese culture and make several new friends when they co-hosted the Global Education Office’s monthly Global Cafe on Wednesday, April 16. Participants learned to make Taiwanese bubble tea at this fun, engaging event!
Our interns were joined by Dr. Yihui Chen, Professor, Special Education at NCUE for one week in early April. Dr. Chen visited VCU to observe the internship program, connect with faculty and discuss opportunities to strengthen our collaboration. As the third cohort finishes up their internship experience, the SOE is already looking forward to welcoming the fourth cohort next spring! This program continues to provide students from NCUE with a unique opportunity to grow academically, professionally, and culturally.
If you are interested in connecting with the next group of interns or learning more about the program, please reach out to the International Education and Student Services (IESC) for more information.
Where are They Now? Alumni Spotlight
Fa Zhang, Ph.D.
Educational Psychology - Class of 2020
Master’s in Statistics, 2021
What are you doing now and what path led you to this position?
I am currently an Assistant Professor at Open University of China. I teach courses in Psych and some EE courses. My research focuses on learning motivation, working on projects that motivate lifelong learning. My path to this role was shaped by my experiences at VCU, where I gained valuable research experience and skills in academic writing, collaboration, and critical inquiry. The mentorship I received from faculty members at VCU, especially my advisor Dr. Christine Bae played a crucial role in my academic journey, and now, as an assistant professor, I strive to provide the same level of support and guidance to my students.
What was your favorite thing about VCU?
Its culture of diversity, innovation, and collaboration. There's a strong sense of community at VCU. Whether through academic collaborations, student organizations, or mentorship opportunities, there is a deep commitment to uplifting and supporting one another. One of my personal favorite aspects of VCU is the James Branch Cabell Library, which provided an ideal space for studying. It’s the busiest academic library in Virginia, with quiet areas for individual study and collaborative spaces. The library is equipped with extensive resources, from research databases to books and journals, and even offers specialized equipment and technology for student use. Whether I needed to focus in silence on the third floor or collaborate with peers in a study room, the library was always a great place to be. I also loved the convenience of having a Starbucks on the first floor for a quick break!
Another unique aspect of VCU is its location in Richmond, offering a vibrant mix of history, arts, culture, and professional opportunities.
What extracurricular activities were you involved in while at VCU?
Many programs through the Global Education Office, including the Conversation Partner Program (CPP) and the Family Cultural Exchange program. Through monthly activities such as family dinners and community events, I gained a deeper understanding of the local culture I also went to the gym a lot in my spare time which is really a good place to work out. These activities were instrumental in creating a well-rounded university experience.
What tips would you share with new international students who are adjusting to life at VCU?
Stay open-minded and proactive! Get involved in student organizations, make connections with classmates and professors, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. VCU has a welcoming and diverse community, so take advantage of resources like the Global Education Office and cultural organizations to ease the transition. Also, don’t be afraid of language barriers. It’s completely normal to feel self-conscious about speaking in a second language
Participate in class discussions, join conversation groups, and take advantage of language support services if needed. The key is to embrace the learning process and not let language challenges hold you back from opportunities.
What tips do you have for students who wish to engage in research?
Explore research labs and centers. The School of Education hosts several research labs and centers focusing on diverse areas. Check online and read through the description of the labs that are aligned with your majors and interests.
Initiate conversations with faculty: Identify professors whose research aligns with your interests and reach out to discuss potential opportunities.
Utilize university resources: VCU offers various programs and funding opportunities to support student research. Use the Writing Center at VCU, which provides free tutoring and support for students at any stage of the writing process. Whether you need help brainstorming ideas, organizing your thoughts, or refining your academic writing style, the Writing Center’s tutors can provide
One last piece of advice for international students in the School of Education:
Take full advantage of the resources available to you! The School of Education has incredible faculty, mentors, and support services. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone participate in discussions, seek internships, and build relationships with professors. Your unique perspective as an international student is valuable, so embrace it and use it to enrich your learning experience.
Uzbekistan Cultural Day!
The IESC and the Global Education Office will be welcoming a small delegation from Andijan State University, Uzbekistan from Monday, April 28 - Tuesday, April 29. We are excited to explore opportunities to collaborate and strengthen our partnership during this visit.
Join us on Monday, April 28 for an Uzbekistan Cultural Day celebration! Our guests from Andijan State will share Uzbek music, dance and food and will speak about the language and heritage of this great culture.
Federal University of Southern Bahia, Brazil International Partner Institution
The School of Education’s newest international partner, Federal University of Southern Bahia, Brazil, visited campus on April 17th and 18th. Visiting delegates included Dr. Joana Angélica Guimarães da Luz, Rector, and Dr. Gabriel Nascimento, Assistant Professor of Modern Languages.
Dr.Guimarães and Dr. Nascimento met with the School of Education’s leadership and faculty and explored opportunities to collaborate in the future. They also had the opportunity to meet with the Global Education Office and faculty from the School of World Studies as well as a team of faculty who accompanied our guests to the Rice Rivers Center.
On Thursday, April 17, Dr. Guimarães signed an MOU during a meeting with Dr. Fotis Sotiropoulos, Provost. She then had the opportunity to meet with President Rao and discuss opportunities for the universities to strengthen our partnership through collaboration.
Dr. Guimarães also led an inspiring and thought-provoking discussion on “The Role of Democracy in Education in South America". During this discussion, Dr. Guimarães encouraged educators to consider our roles in the community and to be mindful of how we communicate about the research we do.
The School of Education is excited to build upon the relationships we created with our colleagues at Federal University of Southern Bahia and to begin working on the initiatives we discussed during this visit.
A special thank you to Dr Luciana de Oliveira, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Graduate Studies, who spearheaded this partnership.
Lindai Xie International Student
Meet Lindai Xie, an international student from China’s Guangdong Province. During her undergraduate program at Beijing Normal University & Hong Kong Baptist University
United International College, faculty from VCU’s School of Education (SOE) visited her school and delivered a presentation about our academic programs.
Lindai decided to apply and she began her academic career at VCU in 2019 as a graduate student in the Counselor Education program. After completing her Master’s degree in this program, Lindai applied for the doctorate program. She will graduate with a Ph.D. in Counselor Education this semester.
After graduation, Lindai has accepted a faculty position in Texas!
Accomplishments
Spotlight
As an international student, the biggest challenges Lindai faced when she arrived in Richmond in the fall of 2019 was the culture difference and language barrier, but she is thankful she had one semester to adjust to life here prior to the pandemic shutting everything down. During her time at VCU, she:
Interned with the Global Education Office (GEO)
Interned with the International Educational Studies Center (IESC)
Served as a Graduate Assistant in the IESC
Served on the International Student Support Advisory Board (ISSAB)
Served as the President of the Chinese Student and Scholar Association (CSSA)
International Student Spotlight
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Lindai provided support to hundreds of international students who remained on campus as well as those who returned home and were looking for opportunities to connect with their peers. 2020 was a unique and challenging time for many international students who didn’t know if they should stay in the U S or return to their home countries to check on their homes and families. The political environment in the United States during this time also had a significant impact on international students and their wellbeing.
One of Lindai’s favorite projects during her time with the Global Education Office was a Career Prep support group she facilitated for international students who wanted help practicing for interviews and preparing for future jobs or positions. Preparing for employment can be very stressful for international students because if they do not get a job offer, they must return to their home country after they complete their degree. This support group provided an outlet for international students to share their concerns with their peers, reduce their stress related to seeking employment and to develop strategies that could better help them prepare for their interviews.
As a graduate assistant in the IESC, Lindai created programs and provided support to current international students in the SOE and she helped recruit new international students. In May 2024, Lindai got the opportunity to visit China with the IESC and share her experiences as an international student at VCU. Lindai has also helped conduct research designed to improve the international student experience at VCU She is grateful for this opportunity to gain research experience and for the opportunity to enhance the voice of VCU’s international student community.
Lindai also served on the International Student Support Advisory Board (ISSAB) during her time at VCU. ISSAB board members help advocate for the needs of international students at VCU. Lindai has also served as the president of the Chinese Student and Scholar Association (CSSA), a student organization that provides Chinese students and the larger VCU community the opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture and share holiday celebrations and traditions. Lindai provided leadership to over 200 student members who helped organize events and provide support to those in their community.
Lindai’s most rewarding experience at VCU, especially as a counseling major, has been providing support and promoting students’ mental health The internships she held during her time at VCU have helped her learn more about students' needs, which has ultimately helped her become a better counselor.
SAVE THE DATE
VCU School of Education 2025 Joint International Research Symposium
The 3 Annual Joint Research Symposium is rd scheduled will take place during International Education Week from November 17-21, 2025.
We invite faculty and students from around the world to submit research proposals for this event. We will begin accepting proposals in August 2025!
Editorial Board
IESC Director Dr. Yaoying Xu
IESC Assistant Director
Nichole Dorton
IESC Editorial Staff
Charity Whitaker
Jason Leung
Jessica Cummings-Ruggles
Tamyah Jones
If you have ideas or suggestions for articles, please reach out to us!
Phone: 804-827-4309
Email: soeintl@vcu.edu
