Reflections on the 2026 Fulbright Taiwan Seminar
Participating in the 2026 Fulbright Taiwan Seminar was one of the most meaningful professional development experiences of my career. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have shared this experience with such an exceptional group of professionals committed to international education. It was evident that the cohort had been selected with great thought and care and brought together with a shared sense of purpose. As I reflect on my time in Taiwan, I remain appreciative of the thoughtfulness and intentionality that shaped every aspect of the seminar.
I would first like to acknowledge the consistent communication provided from the time I was notified of my selection through the duration of the program. Although I was unable to attend the virtual orientation, I did not feel that I had missed anything significant, as others were willing to bring me up to speed. Every aspect of the seminar was communicated clearly. We received detailed schedules and thorough guidance regarding what to expect, what to do upon arrival at the airport, and how to check in at the hotel.
These details played an important role in ensuring that the seminar ran smoothly. Because of the comprehensive pre-arrival communication, along with the informative program orientation on the first day, I rarely felt the need to ask questions. I was fully confident that the Fulbright Taiwan staff had everything well organized and under control. That confidence was apparent in both what I observed and what I felt throughout the seminar.
As for the seminar itself, the sequencing of events was excellent. From our first meeting at the American Institute in Taiwan, to the welcome dinner that evening, to the visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, each part of the program followed a logical and purposeful flow. The seminar began on a high note and ended on an even higher one. I have traveled and studied abroad in both Europe and Asia, yet this seminar affected me in a way no other international experience has. That was due in large part to both the cohort and the Fulbright Taiwan staff, who helped us see and learn things we likely would not have experienced on our own.
The Experience
As I reflect on the seminar, it is clear to me that Fulbright Taiwan successfully achieved its mission: building knowledge, promoting cultural exchange, developing long-term relationships, and strengthening Taiwan-U.S. ties. Every part of the experience, from our shared travel to our meals and campus visits, was carried out with a high degree of intentionality that supported these objectives. We learned a great deal from one another, as some participants had visited Taiwan before, some spoke Mandarin, and some already had personal or professional ties to Taiwan despite never having visited.
While we learned from one another, we learned even more from Lisa Lynn, Helen Hsu, and, at several events, Dr. Randall Nadeau. I also enjoyed meeting Tracie Chen. Helen, in particular, shared an extraordinary depth of knowledge. She explained Taiwanese people, culture, and folklore in a way that only she could. Even before my departure, I had begun to describe the experience as life changing. I will always feel connected to Taiwan because of it.
At the University of North Dakota, this experience has already inspired a clear sense of direction. We intend to host scholars from Taiwan, establish opportunities for UND students to study there, welcome Taiwanese students to our campus, and pursue meaningful and productive partnerships with Taiwanese universities. As I prepare for my presentation as part of Fulbright Fridays, I plan to share my remarkable experience with the large number of Fulbright alumni who work at UND.
The Culture
I previously referenced the personal impact of the seminar, and that impact was reinforced with each university visit. Among the most memorable aspects of those visits were the exchange of gifts, the remarkable hospitality, and the outstanding variety of food offerings. Each institution offered something distinct and highlighted some of the most impressive features of its campus and mission, even within the limited time available to us. It became clear to me that Taiwanese universities care deeply about higher education and about their students, and that they view higher education as an important means of advancing the nation.
From the moment I walked into the American Institute in Taiwan to the day I left the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan, I felt immersed in Taiwanese culture. That immersion continued through visits to museums and art galleries, as well as through my own personal experiences at the night markets, Taipei 101, and even my first time sitting down inside a 7-Eleven. In the span of two weeks, I experienced as much of Taiwanese culture as one reasonably could.
The food was exceptional. The tea ceremonies were informative and, at times, even moving. This cultural experience made me realize how much I had missed in previous international travel. Helen is a major reason I learned so much. She was a dynamo throughout the seminar. It felt as though we had our own Taiwanese ambassador traveling with us. She was not only an outstanding guide, but also part of the cultural experience itself. It was especially meaningful to see a strong, educated, capable young woman who was also an entrepreneur.
What also moved me was how different this experience felt from a prior two-week visit I had made to several institutions in China. In Taiwan, I encountered a spirit of humility and a sincere desire for meaningful partnership. It was also clear to me that Fulbright Taiwan had done its work in advance by ensuring that my colleagues knew about the University of North Dakota. Several people told me they had been looking forward to meeting and speaking with me.
I was traveling with a group that included representatives from larger-name institutions such as Penn State, Emory, the University of San Diego, and Rice University, as well as institutions that already had established relationships with Taiwanese universities. Even so, I felt seen and welcomed throughout the entire seminar. For me, culture begins with people, and the people made me feel at home. As a Black man, they made me feel seen in ways that mattered deeply. That feeling extended beyond my colleagues to the people I encountered in everyday life. I think, for example, of the couple who took the time to help me while I was trying to navigate the MRT on my own. They were kind, patient, and intentional in making sure I knew exactly where to go. They did not appear rushed or eager to move on; instead, they stayed attentive until they knew I was on the right path.
The Connections
I conclude with connections because I remain deeply moved by the willingness of my Taiwanese colleagues to expand opportunities for mutual cooperation that will benefit Taiwanese and American students, faculty, and staff alike. I returned to the University of North Dakota with stacks of business cards and a strong sense of possibility.
As I mentioned earlier, I know that some of the institutions represented at the seminar already have established relationships in Taiwan. I hope I was selected because Fulbright Taiwan saw in my essay a sincere desire to build meaningful connections with Taiwanese institutions. I can say with confidence that this desire is very real. It would be a missed opportunity of great consequence if I did not follow through.
I was deeply impressed by my colleagues at National Taiwan University, National Chengchi University, Fo Guang University, National Tsing Hua University, Mingshin University of Science and Technology, China Medical University, Tunghai University, and National Sun Yat-sen University. I want to begin faculty dialogue and engagement immediately, and I also want to ensure that the University of North Dakota becomes a welcoming host institution for scholars who come to the United States through Fulbright Taiwan. My colleagues should expect to hear from UND in the coming weeks.
My words alone cannot fully express my gratitude for this extraordinary Fulbright Taiwan experience. Thank you for placing me with such an outstanding cohort, and thank you for carrying out every aspect of the seminar in a spirit of excellence. I leave this experience enlightened, inspired, and fully committed to forging meaningful international opportunities between the United States and Taiwan until my career ends.
