Senior Danika Tinana is studying social work and clinical psychology and has used her time at UCF to immerse herself in different experiences, both locally and internationally.
Tinana had the opportunity to study social work in Taiwan for two weeks this summer. She says involving herself in the history and culture of the Taiwanese people uncovered valuable new lessons that will help shape her future as a mental health services provider.
In recent years, the College of Health Professions and Sciences has expanded international education programs to include five different countries: Italy, Barcelona, Costa Rica, Jamaica and Taiwan. These study abroad and clinical shadowing abroad programs allow students to gain new skills in an international setting while receiving credits toward their degree and experiencing new cultures.
Eight UCF students and 13 students from Rutgers University took the course, which was taught by Assistant Professor Shuang Lu in the School of Social Work. “This course introduces students to the development of meditation and social work within Taiwan’s sociocultural context,” Lu says. “Through agency visits, lectures, workshops, and exchange activities, students learn about Buddhist tradition-grounded meditation practices, as well as the thriving social work profession that plays a vital role in addressing local social issues.”
“We learned so much about mindfulness and meditation and how we can integrate that into both our personal life and the lives of our clients,” Tinana says. “As social workers, we experience a lot in our daily lives, and we not only have to focus on our personal life, but we also have to focus on what we want to do for our clients.”
While abroad, Tinana spent time with Taiwanese children, monks and local tribes, where she learned about Buddhist ideals and the importance of preserving history.
“We were able to spend time with a local tribe and go on a hike with them, where we saw how they experience life,” Tinana says.
At the Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts, she took an eight-hour meditation course and learned about the history of meditation.
She also visited different rehabilitation centers and facilities like the Kids’ Bookhouse, a safe harbor for children affected by hardships that provides companionship and educational programs.
The course took the students to Taipei City, the capital of Taiwan, and Taitung City, where many indigenous communities reside. Tinana described the city as “very congested and overwhelming,” but says that only furthered her experience as she learned to be mindful of her space. While in Taipei City, students visited National Taiwan University and attended the Integrated Health and Social Work Conference, where they met scholars, professors and students from around the world. Students also visited National Taitung University in Taitung City, where they participated in a cross-cultural workshop on the history of Taiwan.
“Students were offered a unique opportunity to develop comparative perspectives on social work practice between Taiwan and the United States that encouraged students to apply cultural awareness to daily life, assessing how personal experiences and cultural values influence our interactions with and our understanding of others,” Lu says. “The experience also invites students to use culturally responsive approaches when engaging with practitioners and community members from different backgrounds.”
Tinana says that the hospitality in Taiwan reminded her a lot of her home in the Philippines.
“If I had a chance, I would 100% go back to Taiwan again,” Tinana says. “I want to bring my family and friends and show them how rich, diverse and sustainable they [the Taiwanese] are.”
Students interested in participating in Summer 2026 international studies programs can find out more and apply on the Study Abroad and Clinical Shadowing Abroad Programs’ website.
