Furthering Educational Diplomacy at International School Manila, Philippines

As an international education and educational diplomacy professional, Stephanie Tao, Certificate '13, currently serves as a high school counselor at the International School Manila in the Philippines.

 

How did you become interested in China and end up at the HNC?  
I moved to China after my undergraduate studies in anthropology because of inspiration from a course I took on urban ethnography. In this course, I read a study on the rapid urbanization of Beijing and what it was doing to the preservation of hutongs and the sociocultural communities that came with them. I wanted to see for myself how quickly urban Chinese cities were growing and the impact it had on sociocultural practices.  

When I applied to the HNC, I was living in Wuhan, China working at the China-Canada Student Exchange Center at Wuhan University. This was my initial exposure to the field of higher education, and it gave me insight to educational diplomacy created between two countries and/or international cities through institutional partnerships and student exchange. The HNC was my year of "participant observation" as I was able to experience a truly immersive program that brought together the benefits, rewarding challenges, and politics of US-China education.

How did your experience at the HNC prepare you for the position you have now? 
As an international high school counselor based in Manila, Philippines, I work with students and families that come from 90+ nationalities and backgrounds. A large part of my work is learning about the university admissions process in various countries around the world and walking our students through those admissions processes. Since we send our students to study all over the world after high school, it is important to keep up to date on the political, sociocultural, and economic landscape in those various countries to best support our students and families. My experience at the HNC shaped my continued interest in keeping an analytical eye on those landscapes.   

What was your journey after SAIS to the position you have now and what experiences have you gained overtime that contribute to your success in your position? 
After the HNC, I was offered a position as Assistant Director of International Admissions for East, Central, and Southeast Asia at Loyola University Chicago. At the time, they were looking to expand their recruitment of international students in the region, especially in China. I traveled extensively around the Asia Pacific region, sometimes visiting 15 cities and 110+ education institutions in 7 weeks. Marketing and budgeting were a part of my role. Soft skills were also essential in this position- adaptability: strong listening and communication skills, and the ability to identify students who would be strong applicants for our university. Now that I've jumped to the other side of the admissions table, living abroad as an international high school counselor, those soft skills are exponentially more important. I never have a routine day when I get to school. I work with people from a wide range of backgrounds, problem solve and negotiate, advocate for students, and deeply listen and empathize with individuals. Wearing different hats in my current role has become a rewarding challenge. 

Do you keep in contact with your HNC peers?
Yes I do! Every year (except for 2020 and 2021) since graduating, I've been lucky enough to catch up with at least one HNCer, no matter if it's in East Asia, the US, or Europe. If we know we're in the same location, and have time for a chance to meet, we gather. I keep in touch with people through social media and phone calls too. Our career counselor at the time, Robbie Shields, has kept in touch with our graduating class, and I am grateful for his advice and support even after our time at HNC.  

What is one piece of advice you have for current or future HNC students?
I didn't know that pursuing an opportunity in the field of international higher education could open doors that included extensive travel, diplomacy, and on-the-spot problem solving—all while feeding my interest in staying up to date with current events and learning about human culture—but it has! Be open to jobs outside the government or business sector, as they may have everything you're looking for, just veiled differently. If you're looking towards opportunities in education, please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn if you have questions!

Interview conducted by Brandy Darling, HNC Certificate '20 + SAIS MA '21.

From HNC Student to Expedition/Polar Guide and Antarctic Ambassador

Alexandra Hansen, Certificate ’18, is an Expedition/Polar Guide, International Studies Lecturer, and Naturalist with Silversea Cruises aboard small expedition ships spanning all seven continents.

What led you to your current job? 
A bizarre set of circumstances! At the beginning of my second semester at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center, I reached out to my network for job leads. One afternoon, a previous supervisor sent me an email of a poster. The poster had pictures of tropical reefs, king penguins, and snow-capped mountains. But, most prominently, it had a picture of a guide driving a zodiac (a small rubber inflatable boat) with an arrow that said, “This Could Be You.” The poster explained that the company was hosting an intensive training program aboard one of their expedition ships. The program was to train individuals to work and guide in some of the most remote destinations on the planet. They were particularly looking for mandarin speakers, anthropologists, and biologists. I was intrigued and immediately expressed my interest to the hiring manager. I got into the program, flew to South Africa a few months later, and spent 7 weeks aboard a small ship that sailed across the Indian Ocean (visiting 15 countries in between). Eventually, I graduated from the program and was hired as a professional Lecturer, Expedition Guide, and Zodiac Driver. I’ve been doing it ever since. 

What is the coolest place expedition guiding has taken you?
Definitely, Antarctica. I think that it is the most incredible place on the planet. When I am out in the field, I spend my time sharing my knowledge about Antarctica’s history, governance, exploration, and wildlife. I’m also an Antarctic Ambassador who advocates for its continued protection for international cooperation, conservation, and scientific research. 

What drew you to the HNC?
As an undergraduate student, I had a keen interest in Chinese and international studies. I learned about the Hopkins-Nanjing Center when I was studying abroad in Hangzhou my junior year. I was enamored by the idea that I could take graduate-level courses in mandarin, and live and study in a place that was dedicated to free and open academic and cross-cultural dialogue. 

After completing the Certificate program, I can say with certainty that the HNC provided me with meaningful opportunities to solidify my fluency in Chinese, build my network, and discover all sorts of new passions. I was able to get deeply involved in campus life, conduct research, and establish a multidisciplinary understanding of Sino-global issues. The Hopkins-Nanjing Center is a one-of-a-kind program, and it turned out to be the perfect fit for me.

What was your favorite class at the HNC?
I enjoyed many of the courses I took at the HNC. One of my favorites was China and America: A Cross-Cultural Dialogue (中国与美国：文化对话课). This course was a special co-taught, bilingual and cross-cultural course that delved into the changing perspectives between China and America over the last few centuries. The class enrolled 30 students (15 Chinese students and 15 international students) and was taught by two professors, American professor Joe Renouard and Chinese professor Liu Woyu. I think this course was the epitome of what the HNC strives for—the open exchange of ideas between Chinese and International Students. 

What was your favorite memory of the HNC outside of class?
I have three “big” moments that really stand out:

1. The Nanjing Wall Walk. This ten-hour marathon-long walk traced what used to be the imperial fortifications of Nanjing. The class of 2018 did the walk at the start of the first semester. It was a great way to get to know our classmates and understand the true scale of Nanjing. I can’t think of a better introduction to the city!  
2. Spending Spring Break Conducting Research in Yunnan. I was granted an opportunity to join an HNC research team that traveled to Xishaungbanna Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan. On this trip I met incredible people, visited a number of influential organizations, and learned more about the current issues facing Xishuangbanna’s population on the China-Myanmar border.
3. Hiking in Zhangjiajie and Wulingyuan Scenic Area (Hunan). I went with a few friends and was blown away by how beautiful it was. Take a trip there, it’s worth it!  

Reflecting on my experience, I also want to mention that I have many fond memories of just “ordinary” everyday activities. Outside of class, I enjoyed discovering new restaurants with my friends, going on long runs around Xuanwu Lake, checking out the neighborhood bookstore, and hanging out on the yangtai.
 

What is the value of the HNC to students interested in China?
The HNC curates a unique environment that you can’t find anywhere else. In fact, it’s the only joint program of its kind in China. The campus community is made up of roughly 50% international, and 50% Chinese students and faculty members, all of whom are passionate about Sino-global relations and committed to studying in their target-language. By studying and living at the center, students develop high-level professional target-language skills because they debate issues in class, write analytical papers, read academic articles, and give presentations in front of their peers.

The center also has incredible career development opportunities. The career services team organizes regular career workshops on resumes, applications, and interviewing. It also provides several “career-treks,'' where you can travel to different companies and meet with HNC alumni. By graduating from the HNC, you join a professional network of policymakers, researchers, analysts, diplomats, and business executives who are just as interested in China as you are. 

As the HNC turns 35, what do you think the role of the HNC will be in the future?
As the HNC celebrates 35 years, I think it is valuable to reflect upon its achievements and look towards its future. I hope that over the next 35 years the HNC will continue to strengthen the intellectual bonds that tie its students to beneficial global cooperation.

The Hopkins-Nanjing Center offers its students a unique forum where people with different backgrounds and perspectives can engage in intellectual dialogue, and develop the skills necessary to be important global change-makers. 

Interview conducted by Nick Kaufman, HNC Certificate '21.