Wesleyan senior looking to study on her third continent

By the time she completes her graduate studies, Keyi Liu will have taken classes on three continents.

Liu, who said she’s had a “really, really good experience” during her four years at Wesleyan College, is a native of China. She’s set to graduate on Saturday with a degree in early childhood education, with plans to study at University College in London for her master’s degree.

“The most important thing is I’ve become much more independent,” Liu said of her time at Wesleyan.

When Liu arrived in America, the biggest challenge she faced was learning the English language in a practical sense. She had learned how to read and write English as part of her Chinese education, but that wasn’t enough.

“Seriously, I couldn’t understand my professors,” she said.

One of her professors, Patrick Pritchard, said it was clear that Liu knew the language. He also realized there would be problems if Liu, whom Pritchard said was the first education major from China, didn’t learn it on a more conversational basis. As part of the program, Wesleyan students have to go out into schools in Bibb County for classroom experience and communicate with teachers and students there.

“She was going to have to work very hard to become proficient enough in English to complete the program,” he said.

Liu put in the time to learn English and did so in some smart ways. First of all, she watched American television to pick up on common phrases and even changed roommates from a fellow Chinese student to an American so she would more regularly hear and speak English.

It all paid off when it was time for Liu to do her field work at Woodfield Academy. Pritchard said he’s heard nothing but good things from other teachers and students at the school.

“I think they would’ve hired her, honestly,” Pritchard said.

But Liu has other plans, which will take her to England for a master’s degree in education. The program will last one year, during which Liu hopes to pick up more cultural experiences to likely take back to China one day as an educator.

“I want to really share global culture with my students,” she said.

This story was originally published May 7, 2016 at 8:51 AM with the headline "Wesleyan senior looking to study on her third continent."