Sonya Chiang

“The ALLEX program exceeded my expectations.”
– Sonya Chiang, Mandarin Chinese Teacher, Florida

Host University: McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland
Program: Two-year degree-seeking Teaching Associate Program
Degree: Masters in Teaching English as a Second Language
Language: Chinese

When I joined ALLEX, my goal was to broaden my horizons and experience a different culture. I had just graduated with a Bachelors in Spanish from Tamkang University in Taipei City. I majored in Spanish. During college, I participated in a summer intensive program in Spain. But that was my only short-term study abroad program.

Because I had never lived outside of my home country, there were a lot of unexpected challenges, when I first started at ALLEX. For example, I had to learn how to cook and how to handle a lot of things by myself. Also, I did not know anyone, except for the other participants who I met at the summer training program. But after training ends, you are sent to your school. you are on your own. You have to be very strong in many ways.

Later though, I did meet many friends. They all came from different backgrounds. It was fun interacting with different people. Plus, I overcame those initial challenges. I learned to cook and how to take care of things. I felt proud of myself. What started as obstacles became achievements. For me, a big takeaway from the program was that process of maturing and becoming more independent, beyond the cultural experience that I wanted at the beginning.

Summer Training Program

To be honest, the training program was very stressful because you have to learn so much in such a short period of time. However, it was also helpful because it pushes you to reach your potential and adjust to the stress.

I also found the teachers to be very professional. They give you lots of feedback. I appreciated that they were very honest. Not everyone will tell you the truth. In society, people often do not want to risk a relationship by telling the truth. But the ALLEX teachers, as mentors, were willing to really tell us what was going on and what our weaknesses were. They are trying to shape you into a great teacher. That process was hard but we did learn a lot.

Benefits of Teaching in the ALLEX Program

The ALLEX program gave me what I needed to survive in the U.S. Without it, I would not have been able to build my career teaching Mandarin. I am still currently working in the U.S. teaching Chinese. This is because of my experience in ALLEX. The degree I got through ALLEX helped me find a job. Also, I gained two years of work experience teaching. Without ALLEX, I do not think I would be able to live the life that I live and enjoy now.

ALLEX might seem like it only offers a degree or experience teaching. Actually, it offers much more. It might sound funny but you become a better person. You learn so much through this experience about yourself. You also can discover new skills. When you are in your comfort zone, you do not have the chance to discover those skills. But when you are in a new environment and you have to survive, you develop more skills than staying in a familiar and comfortable environment.

Currently, I teach lower school Mandarin in a private school in Florida. Looking back on my ALLEX experience, there are so many positive memories. I enjoyed even just walking in the town near the campus. The view was different. Walking by myself felt special. Everything felt special because you see new things. It is an exploration, an adventure!