CHEN Yen-Chu

Chen Yen-Chu joined the AFLSP seeking to strengthen her cultural intelligence while furthering her studies in behavioral economics.  What she gained during her time abroad, however, was something much deeper: a sense of belonging, connection, and a desire to help others and drive change. 

Having grown up in the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan, Yen-Chu learned to embrace and adapt to different cultures with curiosity and openness at an early age.  When her university studies brought her back to Taiwan, where her family is originally from, she noticed how her multicultural upbringing set her apart from peers who had stayed in one place – she was not only more comfortable talking to strangers and initiating conversations, she also felt she was more attuned to cultural contrasts. 

Her background prepared her well for her double-degree program, which sent her to Waseda University in Tokyo for three semesters to continue her study of behavioral economics. Though she credits her time in Japan for sharpening her cultural competence, it was the Bai Xian community and her AFLSP experience that truly impacted her.  One of Yen-Chu’s highlights was Waseda’s Enrichment Program, which she especially appreciated as it covered topics beyond her area of study.  One session, in particular, stood out to her as it compared how different countries approach their war histories.  “It’s the kind of knowledge you don’t typically get in class,” she says. “Though we were exploring a potentially sensitive subject, the seminar was a safe space where peers from diverse backgrounds were able to share their thoughts openly and respectfully, and that was really rewarding.” 

At the Summer Program, Yen-Chu instantly found a community that felt safe and relatable, with fellow scholars also having lived between cultures.  “It was easy to talk to people there,” she recalls.  “We connected to each other’s stories, and there was a strong sense of community – I felt like I was part of a big family.”  Late-night chats and conversations with other students also built trust and broadened her perspective.  A groupmate’s decision to become a vegetarian as a personal climate commitment, for example, inspired her to consider how small, consistent actions on a personal level can still drive meaningful change. 

Looking ahead, Yen-Chu plans to pursue a master’s degree to continue studying how minds work through behavioral economics.  She hopes to build on her understanding of human behavior and translate her insights into practical ways to help others and make a difference.