WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Nov. 12, 2015 — Senior Joshua Taylor found a way to build his future career thanks to educational opportunities provided by West Liberty University. A study-abroad experience and a chance to work in the international student office pointed him toward his career path.
His study abroad took place in China this past summer, when Taylor fulfilled his lifelong dream of learning about other cultures as he took part in a scholarship sponsored by the Washington Center Internship program.
He landed in Beijing, after a brief layover in Japan, which he enjoyed.
“I spent about two days in Beijing. Traveled to Xi’an by train, an overnight adventure and saw the famous terracotta soldiers (army). It’s just amazing how old they are,” he said, referencing the famous clay soldiers found in an emperor’s tomb.
After his Beijing sightseeing, got back on a train to travel to his teaching assignment in the ancient town of Zhengzhou, the former capital of the Shang Dynasty during the 11th – 16th centuries, located in the middle of China.
There he had a chance to see the ancient Buddhist temple (Shaolin) and see a Kung Fu demonstration in this city known as the cradle of Chinese martial arts. He also taught English to fourth and fifth graders — a total of 60 students.
“While I was teaching English in China, I realized that the more I did it the more I loved it. This trip made me confident in my career choice and I’m so grateful that I had a chance to do it,” said Taylor, who graduates Dec. 12 with a degree in international studies and a minor in teaching English as a second language.
“One of the best moments of the trip was visiting the Great Wall. It is stunning how old it is. I was always fascinated by it, and now I finally got a chance to see and feel it,” said Taylor. “Food was another thing I really enjoyed, especially Beijing duck.”
Taylor, who is from Wheeling, wants to work in Asia in his future, teaching English.
While studying at WLU, Taylor has been interning in the International Students Office since 2013. He also works as an ESL (English as a Second Language) tutor at the Student Learning and Development Center.
“Joshua is an exceptional person, with a sincere passion for other cultures and very dedicated to helping our international students have an easy integration into the WLU community and a positive experience while here,” said International Student Advisor Mihaela Szabo.
Taylor is a member of three academic honor societies: Phi Alpha Theta, Gamma Theta Upsilon and Alpha Chi.
“All the faculty and staff I know in West Liberty kept inspiring and supporting me throughout my entire college career. My study-abroad trip was one of the many opportunities I have been lucky to take part in,” he said. The study abroad program was led by West Virginia State University in coordination with Marshall University and the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
The hands-on experience in international education is offered every year by West Liberty University as it coordinates study-abroad opportunities for various academic disciplines.
“I enjoy learning about other cultures and learning where another person is coming from. Once you’ve been to another country you don’t just have head knowledge but heart knowledge too. It helps you to learn more about being human. I am passionate about travel.”
“To me, China is like a foil to America. It showed me our strengths and our flaws. It also impressed me — just how old everything is there. It was humbling to me too. To be where no one spoke my language. I will never again judge a foreigner that is speaking my language harshly,” he said.
For more information on international student services, please contact Szabo at 304-336-8270 or mszabo@westliberty.edu. For more information on study abroad, please Dr. Shannon Halicki, dean of the Honors College and assistant professor of French and Spanish at 304.336.8075 or shalicki@westliberty.edu.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Media Relations Intern Natalya Muhametzyanova contributed to this story.