【Article by MPCG】
The week-long exchange between the Master of Arts in Counseling program at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) and the Master’s Program in Counseling at National Chengchi University (NCCU) concluded successfully on May 29, 2025. Led by Dr. William Henninger and Dr. Olivia Chen, the UNI delegation included eight graduate students who engaged in a diverse and enriching series of academic, cultural, and experiential activities throughout their visit to Taiwan.
The exchange program featured a rich and diverse itinerary, including a welcome reception and a special lecture introducing UNI’s signature facility—the Dementia Simulation House. Thanks to the thoughtful arrangements by Principal Chen Jin-Juang of NCCU Elementary School and Principal Chang Li-Ping of NCCU High School, UNI faculty and students had the opportunity to visit both the elementary and kindergarten campuses. They gained firsthand insight into Taiwan’s tiered guidance system and early intervention practices in school settings. The group also observed classes at NCCU High School, experiencing the practical aspects of secondary school counseling in Taiwan, and engaged in meaningful interactions with the school’s energetic and creative students.
Academically, UNI students participated in a group guidance course taught by Professor Trista Fu, where they and NCCU students shared and discussed their “Individual Diversity Plans,” reflecting on how to cultivate multicultural competence in helping professions. Throughout the discussion, both groups were struck by the cultural differences in how issues such as individuality, family roles, power, and social class are understood and addressed in counseling. The vibrant exchange sparked meaningful dialogue and deepened mutual awareness. Many students expressed that the experience broadened their cross-cultural perspectives and emphasized the importance of self-awareness and openness in future practice.
In another academic session with doctoral students from the Department of Education, UNI participants introduced two cultural self-reflection exercises—“I-Statement” and “Cultural Genogram and Drawing”—and collaborated in cross-cultural case studies. Through simulated scenarios involving cultural conflict, students practiced clinical formulation and treatment planning informed by cultural context. Dr. Olivia Chen facilitated further discussion on cultural sensitivity and ethical challenges in multicultural counseling, encouraging students to critically examine their professional frameworks.
To close the exchange, Professor Min-Ning Yu, Dean of the College of Education, and Professor Joy Hu, Director of NCCU’s Counseling Program, hosted a farewell luncheon at the local restaurant. The atmosphere was warm and lively, with Professor Hu offering heartfelt remarks and engaging with guests at each table to reflect on the week’s highlights. During the closing, Dr. Henninger remarked, “We came here as colleagues, but leave here as friends”—a simple yet powerful line that captured the spirit of connection and cultural resonance that marked the entire exchange.
This exchange was not only a meeting of knowledge, but also a meaningful convergence of cultures, values, and human connection. Through classroom dialogue, experiential exercises, and informal interactions, students and faculty from both institutions discovered new ways of seeing, listening, and working together. The seeds of future collaboration have been planted in this shared journey.
Looking ahead, NCCU’s Counseling Program remains committed to the values of openness, professionalism, and sincerity, continuing to deepen international partnerships and cultural engagement in counselor education. The program aims to cultivate professionals with both a global vision and local insight, equipped to serve in diverse cultural contexts.
(Written by Tina Wu)