A Love for Language Leads Fulbright Recipient to New Taipei City

Rutgers alumnus Jack Woods had been in Taiwan as an English teaching assistant ahead of starting graduate school in Washington, D.C.

Jack Woods, a transfer student who graduated from Rutgers University-New Brunswick, opted for experiential learning ahead of continuing his journey through higher education.

Standing before a view of skyscraper Taipei 101, Rutgers graduate Jack Wooks snaps a selfie before starting to walk the Elephant Mountain trail.

As a recipient of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program grant, the Fair Haven, N.J., resident helped teach English in New Taipei City, Taiwan, through June before starting a master of science degree in foreign service at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., in the fall.

Woods transferred from University of Colorado Boulder, but was living and studying in Xi'an, China, immediately before going to Rutgers. The 27-year-old, who majored in linguistics with a minor in critical intelligence studies at the School of Arts and Sciences, graduated from Rutgers in 2022.

Woods discusses his experience abroad, his plan to become a U.S. Department of State Foreign Service officer and his love of language.

What brought you to Rutgers?

I transferred to Rutgers because I wanted to pursue my passion for languages by studying linguistics. I was also drawn to the critical intelligence studies minor, as I am also very interested in international affairs and national security. Furthermore, the opportunity to get a world-class education while also living closer to home was a huge benefit.

What drew you to your field of study?

Ever since I was very young, I have always been interested in foreign languages. My language-learning journey started with Spanish, and then I jumped over to Mandarin and Arabic.

Studying such different languages always made me curious about what makes a language unique from others. This curiosity led me to study linguistics, where I got to learn the science and become familiar with the research behind my biggest passion in my life.

Briefly describe your Fulbright experience.

I am a Fulbright English teaching assistant in New Taipei City, Taiwan. I am a full-time teacher at a public elementary school for grades first through sixth.

Outside of school, I attend Mandarin-language classes, I participate in Fulbright-led professional development workshops, and volunteer at a local tea museum. The village I teach in is famous for its tea farms.

Rutgers graduate Jack Woods (center, rear) stands near his mother, who visited her son and his fourth-grade class in April.

What have you gained from your time in Taiwan?

I have gained a very in-depth understanding of Taiwanese culture and society through extensive immersion.

The Fulbright program does an excellent job of forcing you to integrate into your host community. From living in a local apartment to working in a public school, the support that one would come to expect from a cultural exchange program overseas is very limited, and this is for the best.

I learned how to be a strong cultural ambassador for the United States by doing my best to represent the U.S. for who we are as people, and not just what they read on the news.

I have improved my Mandarin to the point where I can discuss a wide variety of topics in great detail with native speakers. I also developed strong relationships with my coworkers and community members.

I plan to come back to Taiwan in the future, and it is comforting to know that I will be able to reach back out to reconnect with them upon my return.

How do you plan to apply what you've learned moving forward?

My plan is to serve as a U.S. Department of State Foreign Service officer. Prior to joining the Fulbright program, I served as an active-duty U.S. Army officer.

Building on my military service, I will apply the language skills, cross-cultural understanding, and firsthand regional experience I gained through Fulbright to advance U.S. foreign policy goals in the Indo-Pacific region.

Rutgers graduate Jack Woods (back row, left of center) and members of the New Taipei City cohort pose for a photo while taking part in a traditional clothes-dyeing activity.

What are your plans after being abroad?

I will begin the Master of Science in Foreign Service program with a concentration in science, technology and international affairs at Georgetown University.

Alongside my studies, I hope to continue cultivating my understanding of America's role in the Taiwan Strait through internships related to U.S.-China and U.S.-Taiwan relations.

What are your interests and hobbies?

Running, playing chess and video games.

Undergraduate and graduate students interested in applying for a Fulbright grant may contact the Rutgers-New Brunswick Office of Distinguished Fellowships or the School of Graduate Studies, respectively.