Exchange Student Takes on Study Abroad

Posted: January 30, 2017 | Author: Samantha Burfiend | Read Time: 1 minutes

Autumn Xia with a student

Coming from a long line of teachers in China, senior elementary education major Autumn Xia has always had a passion for teaching. During her time at Southern Utah University, Associate Professor of Education Michiko Kobayashi reached out to Autumn about an opportunity to teach English in Okinawa, Japan. Autumn jumped at the chance and never looked back.

“I think teaching in Japan was the biggest project I’ve ever done,” said Autumn. “I love being a teacher and day after day, I continue to learn more about this career.”

A fellow student, Kaitlyn Esplin, worked on some class projects with Autumn, and said her passion really comes through in everything she does.

“It was so fun working with Autumn,” said Esplin. “She has great ideas and is such a hard worker. She always has a smile on her face and is so positive, even though I know it’s hard for her to be away from her home and family.”

Looking towards the future, Autumn hopes to continue sharing Chinese culture and breaking stereotypes at SUU.

“People always think about China in the traditional or historical part,” Autumn said. “It would be good to take a look at contemporary China, and how the economy develops, and how it is different from the past.”

After completing her bachelor's degree at SUU, Autumn might go back to China to teach, or continue her education in the United States and become a university professor.

Learn more about Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development at SUU.

This article was published more than 5 years ago and might contain outdated information or broken links. As a result, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

Tags: Student Education Study Abroad International Affairs College of Education and Human Development

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