WKU News

Kierigan McEvoy, a junior from St. Charles, MO, used her summer break to improve her language skills at the Mandarin Training Center in Taipei, Taiwan. She says she “wanted to take part in this program to improve my language speaking and listening abilities. Being immersed in Taiwan has done just that and has been such an amazing and enriching experience.”

The skills from McEvoy’s program add to her impressive resume; she’s a ROTC Cadet, a member of the Mahurin Honors College, an International Affairs and Chinese double major with a minor in military science.

McEvoy describes her experience this summer. “I attended class for three hours a day, five days a week, and had one-on-one tutoring sessions for one hour, four days a week. We had cultural activities every Friday where we got to learn about a unique aspect of Taiwanese culture.”

An immersive language program like this in a foreign country also helps McEvoy earn new and important skills. “I have learned how powerful putting yourself out there and trying new things is. Trying to communicate with locals and asking questions is the only way you’re going to get better [at a new language], even if it is a little intimidating.” She believes this experience will benefit her in her future career and in life. “I have become more adaptable, self-reliant, and confident.”

McEvoy encourages other Hilltoppers to have their own global experience. “Taiwan is such a beautiful place with the nicest people! If I could encourage anyone to do anything. it would be to study abroad or take time to really learn a new culture or language.”

For more information about the Army ROTC program at WKU or the Military Science minor, go to wku.edu/rotc.