fulbright Taiwan online journal

fulbright Taiwan online journal

Author: Sandy Soohoo-Refaei

Sandy Soohoo-Refaei
Sandy Soohoo-Refaei, an active international educator for more than 30 years, is the Director of the Office of Global Studies at Point Loma Nazarene University and works with education abroad, partnership and exchange programs. She was elected to the NAFSA: Association of International Educators Board of Directors in 2013 and served as the Vice President for Professional Development & Engagement (2015) and Vice President for Member Relations (2013-2014). A past chair of KC ISSS - International Student and Scholar Services Knowledge Committee, Sandy also served in recent years as a Coach in the NAFSA Academy, and a member on the Awards Committee, Membership Committee, Ethics Subcommittee, and Trainer Corps. A lifelong learner, she participated in the Fulbright International Education Adminstrators Program (Japan & Taiwan), Baden-Wurttenberg Seminar, the Summer Intercultural Communication Institute, Semester At Sea; and is a frequent presenter at professional conferences and a mentor to many students and newer professionals in the field of international education. In San Diego, Sandy serves the homeless, sings in a church choir, and is a regular volunteer usher at local theaters and concerts. She enjoys meeting and working with people from different countries and learning about their cultures.  

Reflections on the Fulbright Taiwan Experience

It is with great anticipation and excitement that I embark on this new journey of exploration, discovery and learning through the Fulbright Taiwan program. I deeply appreciate the thorough preparations and full support from the dedicated staff of the Foundation for Scholarly Exchange (Fulbright Taiwan); I felt well taken care of from as early as the pre-departure stage. My first Fulbright experience was in Japan fifteen years ago. It was an amazing experience both culturally and educationally. Since then, I’ve had many opportunities to participate in educational visits almost annually in countries such as Spain, Germany, Cuba, South Africa, and China, yet Fulbright’s mission to provide participants from both the United States and the host country with the opportunity “to gain a little more knowledge, reason and compassion, while reducing conflict” sets this program above the rest. Working with Fulbright means collaborating with people who are passionate about international educational exchanges and devoted to promoting world peace. I.  Fulbright Taiwan Group 2017 We are a diverse group from eleven educational institutions in different parts of the United States, and each group member brings with them extensive international experiences, interesting personal backgrounds, and professional accomplishments. All participants feel very honored to

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Research & Reflections

fulbright taiwan online journal