This blog spotlights an alumna’s story starting with her study abroad experience in 2006.
Our thanks to Yilou Zhang for sharing her story with Dr Allison Cole-Stutz, Vice President for Student Affairs and Alumni Relations.
“When I was a senior student at East China Normal University, I embarked on an incredible journey that shaped my professional trajectory. This important chapter in my life began with my application to the UK/China Work Experience Program, and it was in September 2006 that my dreams became a reality. To my delight and honor, I was the only undergraduate student in Shanghai who was selected for the first cohort of participants in this internship program, a joint initiative organized by both the UK and Chinese governments.
Richmond American University London, the host for this program, provided us with substantial support, from our pre-departure preparations to the conclusion of the program. We spent over four months at the High Street Kensington campus, where we attended orientations, received notifications about our internship arrangements, and interacted with other Richmond students. For many of us, it was the first time we had lived independently in a foreign country. The support we received from Richmond in our daily lives was of vital importance for us to successfully carry out our internships. I can vividly recall the orientation sessions where the university had meticulously designed courses to equip us with the tools necessary to navigate and adapt to the culture shock we were about to encounter, making our transition to life in a foreign country more manageable and enriching.
During that period, I secured an internship with the British Council London, an opportunity that allowed me to delve into the heart of cultural exchange and educational dynamics. My primary responsibility was to undertake a research project focusing on Chinese language teaching practices in England. It was a remarkable journey of growth and self-discovery, during which I honed my research, project management, and interpersonal skills. I got the opportunity to engage directly with professionals in the field, forging valuable connections and gaining insights that would later prove instrumental in my academic and professional endeavors. While I was conducting the internship in London, I was applying for master’s programs. I strongly believed this hands-on experience was an important element that enabled me to receive an offer from Columbia University.
Upon graduation from Columbia University, I returned to my hometown Shanghai. Fast forward to the present, I find myself as the Manager of Research Partnerships at NYU Shanghai, a role that not only demands dynamic project management but also requires the cultivation of robust, collaborative relationships with partner universities and their key representatives. The responsibilities that come with this position are multifaceted, ranging from the conceptualization of establishing programs to their successful execution.
My time in London ignited my dedication to international education and laid the foundation for my professional career. Immersed in the diverse Richmond community and the vibrant multicultural environment of London, I had the privilege of being exposed to a wide range of perspectives and educational systems. This experience honed my understanding of the vital role that international education plays in fostering cultural exchange, cooperation, and mutual understanding on a global scale.“
