ONIF Alumni Spotlight

April 26, 2024

Joseph Pierson headshot
Joseph Pierson '22

Name: Joseph Pierson

Pronouns: He/him/his

Majors: BA in English and Philosophy

Graduation Date: May 2022

Fellowship Award:  Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program to Taiwan.

What are your current or future career plans? I will be attending Columbia Law School to pursue my interest in copyright & patent law and community service with child advocacy law while continuing to write and publish poetry and autofiction.

What did you enjoy most about the program? Despite my close to zero language proficiency, I have made lifelong friends with so many locals. I will be back in Taiwan next summer.

Pierson and his ETA to Taiwan cohort
Joseph's New Taipei ETA cohort and coordinators celebrating the start of the school year.

What was the most challenging aspect of the program? The most challenging aspect of the program has been overcoming the daily life dynamics. Everyone eats, drinks, and works around the world. The “how” within these activities is a distinction you should embrace. Integrating to standards is important but learning to live and be neighborly amongst cultural uncertainties is worthwhile!

Pierson and his 2nd grade students
Joseph and his second-grade students go on a weekly walk that invites the student body to be eco-conscious of the relationship between their campus and the environment.

What advice do you have for future applicants? Adaptability is referred to throughout the program for good reason by both executives and alumni. You cannot account for all cultural exchanges you will encounter and must be willing to embrace the inevitable discomfort until it becomes a wonderful custom to you. A strength recommended for any applicant would be to acknowledge your opportunity to be a guest within the country you will be applying to and be supportive of the outcomes that accompany this opportunity. It is imperative to remember that you are a representative of your country so express the respect that LMU has cultivated in you.

What would people be surprised to know about your experience? While in Taiwan, I learned how to catch fish with a slingshot, practiced Muay Thai, and became adept at tea farming and brewing.

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Learn more about the Fulbright ETA to Taiwan Program or contact ONIF.