PODCAST EPISODE Global Connections #1 : Bianca Chau

PODCAST EPISODE

Global Connections #1 : Bianca Chau

To access the episode, please visit our Spotify page. 

Podcast Transcript: Global Connections #1 : Bianca Chau

Speaker Bio:

Bianca recently received her M.A. in Higher Education Leadership from the University of San Diego and is currently working at San Diego State University as an International Student Success Coordinator. Her journey in global education started when she first studied in America as an exchange student and later working at an international school in Beijing, China. Having studied at international schools from an early age and coming from a Chinese-Japanese family, Bianca has always been interested in finding ways to bring people of different cultural backgrounds together. 

Xiaoyun Sim  0:02 

Welcome Bianca, we are really excited to have you be our first special guest our Global Connections. Do you want to share a little about yourself and your background to the audience?

Bianca Chau  0:31 

Sure. Thank you, Xiaoyun for having me today as the first guest. My name is Bianca Chau. I am currently based in San Diego working in San Diego State University as the International Student Success advisor at the International Student Center. I am originally from Hong Kong, and came to San Diego almost five years ago to pursue my graduate degree and stayed here ever since. And I am super happy to be able to share this experience with you today.

Xiaoyun Sim  1:06 

Yeah, also- for the audience's that doesn't know Bianca, I've personally worked with her within the commission. And before jumping right into the questions that we have for you, do you want to share a little about your journey? And how did you get involved with the ACPA and the commission?

Bianca Chau  1:24 

Sure. Journey meaning like in student affairs and like in the US in general?

Xiaoyun Sim  1:30 

Yeah, yeah.

Bianca Chau  1:33 

Um, so when I graduated in 2018, for my, for my grad program, and this was during the summer, I was still job hunting, not knowing what to do and still wanted to get involved with, you know, folx around the world, and also folks in the US specifically in international education, I came across Gudrun, on Facebook, who was our past chair, and I was networking with her getting to know her journey and how she got to the US and what she's doing now, she mentioned about ACPA, and specifically the global commission for global dimensions of student development. And she asked me if I was interested in being the blog editor, and that entailed reaching out to folx everywhere, and pretty much just asking what their journey has been like, or if they had any specific topics that they were interested in, such as sustainability and international education, and whatnot. Um, they can write about it. So it was really a good way for me to network while I was still trying to find a permanent job here in the US as an international student. So right after that, I got hired at San Diego State University, on my OPT, which, for folx that don't know what OPT is, it's really a one year period of time for international students to work on their student visa after graduating. And then the conversation of sponsorship comes in. So it's been about two years since then. And I two years, three years, I've already lost track. And so that's how I got involved with ACPA and the commission, and also student affairs in general.

Xiaoyun Sim  3:35 

Yeah, like, I know that you said that you came here to pursue your graduate studies, what made you decide to come to United States because there are so many different countries that you get to, in a way study and pursue a degree?

Bianca Chau  3:52 

That's a really good question. Um, so I did my undergraduate degree in sociology, I really like understanding human behavior, especially in a social setting. And right when I was going to graduate, I was thinking, what should I be? After I graduated? What kind of work should I pursue? And Funny enough, I was actually thinking something along the line of wedding planning. I watched too many glamorous shows, and thought wedding planning would be nice. And so I did an internship at a wedding company in Hong Kong and absolutely hated it. Right after that summer, I was an exchange student at UC Davis. And that's where I really realized, wow, I want to be a bigger part of something called an organization or an institution, and I wanted to work at a school. I felt like that would be an environment that would be good for my development and also being a part of other people's lives. So after I graduated, I actually found a job in Beijing, China, working in an international high school where I was recruiting students and absolutely loved it, I had a great supervisor who was originally from America. And the one thing I did not like about that job was dealing with parents. I love parents, I know they care about their kids a lot. But I really just wanted to focus on the student and their development. And so my supervisor at that time was like, you know, there are graduate programs that will allow you to work in student affairs in America, and especially America, because Student Affairs is really an American concept. And so, you know, you don't really find that in like the UK, I believe, or Canada, really. And that's when I started looking into grad programs and ended up in one of the institutions here in San Diego. And yeah, the rest is history.

Xiaoyun Sim  6:06 

Yeah, I always do hear from people working in student affairs, and they always have a story that they would share. It's because they were part of a campus, they were part of an institution, and they felt the need to support students. And I think you do share a similar story as them too in your own different context. But you did bring up something really interesting that you work in Beijing, China, as a recruiter, how is it different than working here in the United States? Like the work culture wise, and the different things that you notice that are different?

Bianca Chau  6:44 

That's a great question. And there's all it's very multi dimension, I think that question because I was really finding my way, as a professional. And, and coming from Hong Kong, there is this sort of distinguishment, if that is even a word between me and my colleagues who were from Mainland China. And so I already in terms of identity wise, I already felt that difference. And I didn't speak Mandarin as my first language. So it was very hard to gain the trust of parents when I had to lead school tours, and do all the interviews and not interviews will mostly introducing the school in Mandarin. And so I felt professionally, that it was my my status was threatened a little bit, because of my language proficiency. Um, but otherwise, I felt like it was a great learning opportunity. I learned very quickly. Whereas in the US, I think it I don't feel too much of that push of needing to prove yourself. Well, I do in more of an immigration sense, as an international student, you know, you have to really convince your employer or other people that you deserve to stay here. Professionally, though, the differences I don't feel like I really have to prove so much like I did back home or, let's say in China. So let's see. Yeah, that. I wonder if that answers your your questions.

Xiaoyun Sim  8:36 

Yeah, it does. It just brings a different perspective into the conversation in terms of you having the international background coming, and working in a different country before pursuing a degree and a full time job here in United States. And I do think you bring the value into the different things that you shared, and our audiences would definitely love to hear about your story and how your journey was coming into Student Affairs and hear in your full time job, is that you're like you said, your second year or third year into that position. But I do want to talk a little about your involvement more a lot about your involvement within the commission. And I know that it's been three years as a blog editor and you are going to step down and end your term as a blog editor. Challenging you a little about this question, how have you grown in the position or what are the things that you learn from interacting with bloggers and writers?

Bianca Chau  9:46 

Great question. I love that challenge. Reflecting is always part of our not only do we encourage our students to reflect right I also feel like we need the time to reflect so thank you. for giving me the time to do that right now at this space. How have I grown with this work? The number one thing that I really enjoyed about this work is to learn about what other people are doing, even though I don't know them personally and may, I hope, you know, never say never, but I don't know if I'll ever meet some of these people, because we're so spread across the country or the world. But it's really good to know that there are so many people passionate about international education. And I bring up the one blog that I really enjoyed reading, who was also written by one of our board members, Cody, on sustainability and international education. And that's when I thought, Wow, there, there are so many things that I haven't considered in international education myself, I was a young person, really running on the fuel of passion and just really wanted to interact with students. And I saw a lot of me in the students that I interact with. And so it was really purely on how can I get the student from year one to year two, from academic probation to off probation? Or, you know, if they're looking for a job? How can they How can I help them do this, do that. But I think through this work, I've been able to really see and learn how I need to expand my my knowledge within international education, especially in ways that I've, I've never thought of, such as sustainability. And even within international education is more about more than just being International, with international students and scholars is a lot of advocacy work that we do within this commission. And also tying that with let's say, folx in the study abroad field, how do we tie both parts together. And so I think that this work has really allowed me to not only learn the lives of other professionals, but also seeing how I can incorporate what I've learned through these blogs into my daily practice and my professional work so this work has been very beneficial and I'm also super glad Xiaoyun that you're taking over I was low key freaking out who's going to do this am I gonna have to do this for another three years. But you've brought in such innovation and creativity, especially with this podcast idea that I'm I can really stepped out I've already stepped out very peacefully and with a lot of gratitude to you.

Xiaoyun Sim  12:58 

You're still in, you're still in the spirit with me when I'm doing all the podcasts in the future and reaching out to bloggers. But thank you, Bianca for sharing that. And I do definitely agree with you in terms of like, there is still so much more to learn about in within international higher education. And it is really important to let the institution understand the importance of globalization and how to incorporate not just an international student office that supports international student and across the board with all departments because international students do reach out and utilize different resources and offices on campus. And it is just really important to start the conversation about international higher ed and also within the commission itself that the mission and the value and how are we reaching out to functional areas across all departments to start the conversation. And just a community building is really important in terms of how we want to advocate for international students. And I do think that within your role you do some sort of advocacy is in terms of activities or partnerships with campus partners. Do you mind sharing a little on top of that?

Bianca Chau  14:21 

This is within my work. Is that right? Yes.

Xiaoyun Sim  14:24 

Yes.

Bianca Chau  14:30  

Good question.

Xiaoyun Sim  14:32 

Yeah, takes some time to simmer it down and think about reflecting like you said, reflecting on what you do.

Bianca Chau  14:42 

Yeah. Wait, can you repeat the question?

Xiaoyun Sim  14:48 

Yes. Let me rephrase the question. So how have you worked with campus partners in terms of supporting international student?

Bianca Chau  15:00 

Thank you. I think there are two main things that I've been striving for, which is to address the international student mental health piece, as well as job hunting or employment. I think that those two are very much in demand of attention in need of attention, but also very much not put under the spotlight. I think many times when we talk about international students success, it's really about academic performance. Because that's a data that we can get from our database, who is not doing well, who is on probation? And who can we support. But with, let's say, mental health, there's so many parts to it that makes it hard to address because, number one, you have to get students to proactively come to you and let you know that they need help. I think that within mental health, no matter how much outreach you do, sometimes there are just students that you can't reach to, and those are the students that most need support. And also being aware of the cultural implications of mental health and what that looks like and help seeking behavior. How do we learn all the cultural pieces of mental health, from where all our students come from, and be able to address that in the way that that student, that specific student needs it? And that's also another thing to highlight with international students is that is not monolithic. It's very, very diverse, even for one country. Students from that country are not all always the same. So I think, to answer your question, the first piece is with mental health. But the second one is with job employment, employment. Because international students have an additional obstacle of trying to not only navigate the American workplace culture, but within the process of looking for a job, they're in the position to have to educate potential employers about their immigration process and, and whatnot. And, and a lot of employers don't understand that. So students, international students have to bear that additional weight of not only going through stressful job hunting, that itself is already very stressful, but also having to be in a position to educate employers. And debunking some of these misunderstandings, or myths that a lot of people have about international students in the process. So I think those are the two main things that I try to advocate for more attention for our, for our international students. And I think that being only about three years into my role, I have so much to learn. And this is why I love being part of a CPA and other organizations is that I can learn what other institutions and what other people are doing. So there's just so much to learn. And I feel like I'm that cliched, international student that ended up working in International Student Services. But I'm really happy to be able to do this work and, and I look forward to the several years and maybe decades to come to learning about international student success and that, and it also keeps evolving. I believe that what students needed back in let's say, our parents days are not the same as what students need now and maybe in the next generation. So it keeps evolving. And I think that's the exciting part about the job that we do.

Xiaoyun Sim  19:14 

Yeah, and I think that you hit really good points like, I myself is going through the job search, job search process, and how can I tell my few like potential employers like this is the barriers that I am going to face and I need to overcome and kind of like educating them about my circumstances and like, how can campus partners or institutions, treat their professional staff in terms of how to better support international students? And I do think that a lot of institutions are already starting those conversations and bringing and connecting with professional associations in terms of introducing about the different immigration status or legal status about international students and what are the barriers that They will face. And I do think that I want to put in a plug about the international colloquium that our commission is hosting in, if I'm not mistaken, in April, I will put all the details when we submit the transcript up here. But if you all are interested in involving in participating in the webinars, definitely join us in our international colloquium where we would discuss conversations about mental health and how to better support international students. But my next question for you, Bianca is kind of like moving forward, because we talked about Yes, you have been in the blog editor position for three years now. And you're in your full time position for going into your third year, like, moving on forward, what are your future goals? Or what would you hope to achieve? Hmm, it doesn't need to be something big, it could just be like, what is the now focusing on the now?

Bianca Chau  21:03 

Yeah, I think that I hope my assumption is correct. But most of us in student affairs or in some sort of role within higher education are really advocates of lifelong learning. And I want to model that myself. So in terms of my future goals, I am thinking maybe possibly a another degree, uhm. And also moving hopefully upwards with my job. But I also know that I'm very, very, I'm still considered a very young professional in higher education. So I do see myself being in this specific role that I am in now, at my institution for the upcoming years, because there's just so much to learn. My job is very dynamic, in that I don't, I don't just do one thing, every day or, or I don't focus on one aspect of things every day. And so I feel that in terms of professional goals, I will still be in this position. In terms of learning, I do see myself maybe pursuing another degree. Yes, and in terms of staying in this country, too, I feel that with our past administrations administration, it has made me and my my fellow peers, also, who are here as a foreigner, to, to really think about whether they want to stay here in this country. But I have heard a lot of people, including myself, say that we do want to stay as long as we can here in this country, because Student Affairs is really an American concept. And I think, as we want to learn as much as we can, and if life takes us to a different country, or to a different city, maybe even a different kind of job outside of higher ed, that a lot of the things we're learning is very much transferable. So all I can tell myself is to really keep learning. And now that I am stepping down from this role from ACPA, I was actually just having a conversation with our current chair. How can I still be involved? It doesn't have to be ACPA, but you know, other entities other organization?

Bianca Chau  23:51 

Because I think it's very easy to, to regard our, our higher ed job as a job at some point, you know, it's for me, it's 8am to 4:30pm. And I want to do something else, outside of my job that still lies within the realm of international education. So I am still deciding whether I want to, let's say, Take one year, gap year and kind of just not do anything, or should I keep the momentum and look for other opportunities to volunteer my time. So a lot of things are up in the air. But I do have some big questions that I have to think about. And thank you for posting that to me as well, because I think I do need to think about what I what I want to do to make sure that I keep learning.

Xiaoyun Sim  24:50 

Yeah, and I think that like you basically said what the things that we hope that students will have like would develop like the skills of light self reflection, like how can they reflect on what they've done and how to better utilize what we can support in terms of their student development. And I do think that within higher education, folx that work in the realm, it's kind of like, you are a person that has this job title that wears multiple hats, and like you said, Every day is a different thing. And you also mentioned earlier that every day is a new day that you explore, and in terms of how to navigate the situation and support students. And I do, I do think that like, we would love to have you continue volunteering within ACPA or other entities, because that's how you would build networking. And I would say that in the realm of international higher education, specifically, it's, it's large, but not really, like people know people. And even though the circle is that huge, but in the same time, it's small. it's a little vague, but you get what I want to say. And I do think that like, you did share a lot of like, good tips and advices, that you would, it would be helpful for our audiences who wants to step into the realm of international higher education or higher education in general, or just folx looking into supporting international students or having a job that specifies that demographic. But before we end our podcast, do you have a piece of advice or some of the tips that you yourself have done in the past? And that you would like to share with our audiences today?

Bianca Chau  26:43 

Yes, and actually showing you just brought up that answer, which is to really network. I think networking also is a very foreign concept. It was to myself and for international students, because I think we often associate networking with going into a big room with employers in that room, and you kind of go and shake their hands and mingle, introduce yourself. But I think networking is way more than that. Being involved in ACPA, and in commission, like this is networking itself, me reaching out to people to write a blog for us and getting to know their stories is networking. Going to a conference, of course, is one of the black and white things you can do about networking as well. Or even, let's say looking for Facebook groups, there's tons of them right now that are specifically for professionals and study abroad and international education. And I think that's a that's a good way to network with people that you haven't already met. And like you said, one day, hopefully we can meet right? Like sometimes I'm conferences when you introduce yourself, and you're like, Are you that person that posted that thing? And in that, you know, Facebook group or, you know, or do you know, this person in that in this institution, and then you kind of really realize, like you said, This world is big, yet not so big. So I think the one piece of advice for new professionals, especially for specifically international students looking to stay in the US, and finding their place here. international education, higher education is to really network not just for when you're looking for a job, but on top of my purpose of lifelong learning. I think the other thing I really want to keep up is networking with other people throughout my, my career, because you really need support from each other. I'd like to provide support, this is my community. And that the one way to do that is to network. So I really would encourage folks to think outside the box when it comes to networking and not think of it as a daunting thing that they have to do during job hunting, you know, wearing formal attire and going into a big room and submitting resumes. It's, it's really not like that maybe networking could be like that in let's say, the countries we come from Xiaoyun and I were, it's like a job fair. And really, that's the only thing about networking. But here, and especially with Student Affairs kind of job being very much relational. I think that if you want to be good at your job, and you want to keep up the passion, you have to keep continue getting inspiration from other people learning what other people are doing. And one way to do that is by networking. So whatever network Looks like to that person, I hope that they can continue to do that, if they haven't started already, to not be so intimidated, it's actually a very fun thing. It can start off by informational interviews with maybe somebody you can consider as a mentor. And kind of snowballing it from there. So networking is the really one piece of advice that I wouldn't even say advice. But one piece that I'd like to share that has helped me and I know has helped a lot of people in their, in their career and in their even personal life, because friendships can develop out of those networking opportunities as well.

Xiaoyun Sim  30:41 

Yeah, for sure, thank you for sharing that networking piece and the importance of it and how it had, it has shaped you where you are today and your piece of advice to new professionals or folks who are interested in going into international higher education. And I do want to point out that me and Bianca we met through a virtual world because we met during the COVID-19 era. And it has been a good opportunity and I would say networking virtually because it brings an easier way because I don't need to feel really intimidated going into meeting a person meeting that person in an in person face to face. So hopefully with more and more virtual networking opportunities that our audiences would take up this chance to meet new people and socialize and like Bianca mentioned informational interview is one step to start a relationship with, build a friendship with someone and also just going through conferences. So thank you again today, Bianca, for joining us in our first episode of Global Connections, and we hope to have you back on our podcast for future episodes and share about your experiences and how you have grown and what are some other advices that you would share for folks that are interested in going into the field.

Transcribed by https://otter.ai

Shownotes:

Read about the blogpost by Cody Rosenbarker  - A different perspective on sustainability

Facebook Group – International Student Affairs Professionals and Graduate Students