In this interview, Anpin Ni from NCCU shares his experience as an international student during his time at the university.
Anpin Ni is a speech-language pathologist (CCC-SLP) from China who is currently working in middle/high schools in the Bay Area of California. He pursued a master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders program at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and graduated in May 2021.
In this interview, Anpin Ni shares:
- His journey as an international student from China to NCCU.
- A typical day in his life on campus at NCCU.
- The quality of professors, staff and facilities on campus.
- His advice for other international students interested in studying in the USA.
Full Interview Transcript: Anpin Ni from NCCU North Carolina Central University
Read the full interview transcript below.
- Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are from.
Anpin Ni: My name is Anpin Ni and I’m a speech-language pathologist (CCC-SLP) working in middle/high schools in the Bay Area of California. I am from China and first came to the United States in 2018 to pursue my master’s degree. I graduated from the Communication Sciences and Disorders program at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in May 2021. - Why did you choose to study at NCCU?
Anpin Ni: I was studying for a master’s degree in psychology at Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU). I was interested in populations with special needs, such as autism, Down syndrome, etc.. NCCU and BLCU worked together to establish a Speech and Language Pathology Master’s Degree Program and I applied for this clinical-based program. - What was your typical day like on campus at NCCU? Tell us about your day from start to finish.
Anpin Ni: I mainly had four things to do on campus, including working as a graduate assistant, taking courses, finishing course assignments and clinical practice. I worked as a graduate assistant during my first two years in my program. I needed to work 20 hours per week. When there was no clinical practice, I arrived at school at 8:00 am and worked on tasks assigned by mentors from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. When I had clinical practice, I spent the daytime in clinical settings, such as middle school, pediatric clinics, etc. I had courses in the evening from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm. I used any spare time to study and finish my course assignments during the day. Due to covid-19 pandemic, I took courses online at home and interned online and provided teletherapy services for almost one year. - Did you make any close friends on campus?
Anpin Ni: I had a group of Chinese students in the same program and lived in the same community. We went shopping during the weekend and gathered together during the holiday. I made some American friends through group projects, study abroad programs, and study groups. - Were you satisfied with the university’s facilities and resources?
Anpin Ni: The school library has many resources. I can borrow books, toys and print materials from the library for clinical use. There are free Zumba classes in the gym. I can always find a parking lot on campus. - How do you feel about the campus culture and community?
Anpin Ni: I mainly knew my classmates on campus. We knew more about each other through group projects discussion, being one-to-one study partners, and teaming up for internships. NCCU is a public historically black university and a large percentage of African-American students makes our school special. - What do you think about the quality of professors and staff?
Anpin Ni: Our professors are amazing. They have great passion for their profession and teaching. They are constantly updating and improving the course materials. Librarians are always kind and helpful. The cleaning staff always greet us warmly. - Did you get involved in any clubs, organizations or extracurricular activities?
Anpin Ni: I attended some activities on Campus, such as Movie Night, OIA end of the Year Social, Safe Zone training, LGBTQIA+ sensitivity training, etc. - How do you feel about the university’s location and surrounding area?
Anpin Ni: Our university is near my apartment. It was convenient to take the bus. Sometimes I walk home. There were grocery stores and barber shops close to the university. - Were you able to balance academics and social life effectively?
Anpin Ni: I needed to balance academics, social life, and work. I spent a lot of time on work since I would like to do my best to help my mentors. But I still had time to preview materials and finish my academic assignments on time. My main social life was attending church on Friday nights and Sundays. I was baptized in the Chinese Christian Mission Church in 2018. I learned from my Christian life after 2018 that if you give your time to God, he will manage it for you. - Have you utilized the university’s career services or resources for internships or job opportunities?
Anpin Ni: Our department has a career fair every year where we can meet with HR from different agencies/schools. The department will also put job postings on the blackboard. I had several job interview opportunities from postings before I graduated. - How do you feel the university has prepared you for your future career goals?
Anpin Ni: Clinical practice is the main task of our master’s program. We had internships every semester, which were basically similar to my current jobs. We were assigned a supervisor in each setting. I had been assigned to the aphasia group, pediatric clinic, schools, etc. - Please share any useful piece of advice for other international students interested in studying at NCCU.
Anpin Ni: If you have the opportunity, you can apply for a teaching/graduate assistant position. Not only will this ease the financial burden, but you will also learn many skills. If you are interested in research, you may connect with any professor and get involved in their projects. I published three articles as a second/third author and presented at the ASHA convention since I was helping with research projects during my GA work.
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