Andrea Chen

Andrea Chen participated in the 2024 CLS Chinese Program hosted by Tamkang University in New Taipei, Taiwan. She is currently a medical student at Tulane University School of Medicine, and her professional goal is to become a bilingual physician practicing in immigrant communities.

Why Chinese?

I chose to study Mandarin Chinese because immersive learning was the next logical step in improving my language skills. The CLS program provided a unique opportunity to challenge myself in a rigorous academic setting while being surrounded by like-minded peers. Through CLS, I not only strengthened my language skills but also found an instant community within my cohort!

A Favorite Idiom

人有失足，马有失蹄 (Rén yǒu shīzú, mǎ yǒu shītí) – "Just as horses stumble, people make mistakes." I learned this phrase with my language partner after we missed our bus while trying to visit a beach in Taiwan. Navigating transportation in a foreign country was really challenging for me, but the experiences I had abroad also became perfect language learning opportunities. Moments like these increased my adaptability and allowed me to engage with the language in everyday contexts, making my learning experience more meaningful.

Career Goals

My goal is to become a bilingual physician serving Chinese immigrant communities, where language barriers often prevent access to quality healthcare. By achieving proficiency in medical Mandarin, I hope to bridge these gaps in communication, ensuring that patients receive culturally competent and comprehensive medical care. Additionally, my language skills will allow me to engage in public health initiatives and patient advocacy, helping to address healthcare disparities across populations.

CLS’s Impact

My CLS experience increased my understanding of the concept of intercultural exchange and deepened my sensitivity toward different cultural perspectives. Immersing myself in the local Taiwanese community gave me firsthand insight into different attitudes toward health/wellness, social issues, and popular culture. This experience reinforced my commitment to cross-cultural communication in medicine and strengthened my ability to navigate complex cultural dynamics, which I will continue to embody throughout the rest of my academic and professional career.