Among the spectacular island interior of Taiwan, Fulbright U.S. student Chiara Marley made a lasting impact as an English teacher.
Marley, a 2020 graduate from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in Molecular Biology, embarked on a life-changing Fulbright journey to help local students improve their English skills while immersing herself in Taiwanese culture.
Before embarking on this journey with Fulbright, Marley was based in the San Francisco Bay Area working on therapeutic cures for motor neuron diseases through stem cell research.
“I was working with a disease called Charcot-Marie-Tooth, and I reached a point where I wanted to make a career shift,” said Marley. “The Fulbright program percolated in my mind, and offered a unique opportunity to gain international perspectives in my field while being supported by staff that would guide me through the challenges of living abroad.”
Marley found that Fulbright would also be a great opportunity to understand how international researchers use the English language in her field and became interested in learning more about communicating with other cultures. However, this soon led to an unexpected, yet inspiring vision for a new career path.
“My professional motivation began to shift a bit. I was eager to understand how English was being taught abroad,” said Marley. “I joined the English teaching assistant program, and embarked on a new mission, a new career path.”
Marley’s placement was in the small town of Huwei, located in Yunlin County, a historical town closely linked to military training during the Japanese colonization of World War II. Many residents speak Taiwanese and Japanese, not Chinese, and have had little exposure to native English speakers, making Marley’s role particularly vital.
“English is valued as a fundamental skill for Taiwanese students that grants them many opportunities in life,” Marley said. “While students were eager to learn, teaching in this region was a journey of finding creative ways to engage them and make learning fun.”
One of Marley’s most successful lesson plans involved the innovative use of comparison words and anime characters that incorporated everyday conversation. Students would debate which of the characters was “prettier,” “stronger,” or “faster.” These activities not only improved the students’ language skills but also built their confidence in speaking English.
“Students had no context for certain words they were saying or certain phrases. We had to bridge the language gap using creative approaches,” Marley said. “In addition to using English to describe Anime, we students learned about Black history in America, Jazz, and the use of slang words. The joy on their faces when they understand a new word or can hold a simple conversation is incredibly rewarding.”
Beyond the classroom, Marley served as co-chair of a Fulbright Taiwan diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) group that focused on education, empowerment, and engagement. The team held DEI education panels, shared feedback on DEI from the Taiwanese perspective with Fulbright staff, and created a mental health guide for Asian American grantees, who often struggle with being expected to understand Taiwanese culture.
Marley believes the keys to long-term success during a program like Fulbright include having an open mind, being okay with whatever circumstance you find yourself in, and connecting with Fulbright Alumni.
“Going with the flow helps you get more out of the process,” said Marley. “My Fulbright experience has been transformative. I’ve learned so much about teaching, cultural exchange, and myself,” said Marley. “This was not necessarily the path I originally set out on, but one that I am eternally grateful I found.”
Marley’s Fulbright experience is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the impact of a strong academic and professional support system.
The Division of Global Engagement administers the application process for Fulbright at UC Santa Cruz. Students interested in applying to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program should make an advising appointment with Gabi Schmiegel, the Assistant Director for Sponsored Student Programs.
Learn more on the Postgraduate Scholarships section of the Global Learning website.