UC graduate earns Fulbright to teach, bridge cultures in rural Taiwan

Alum brings English, Mandarin with him as he builds connections through language and music

University of Cincinnati graduate Perry Li is preparing for a journey that will take him more than 7,500 miles from campus — to the rural, mountainous community of Taitung, Taiwan.

Perry Li and friend Prisha Vatsal at UC's graduation. Photo/Provided by Perry Li.

Starting in August, Li will serve as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) there. He will work with elementary through high school students while acting as a cultural ambassador for the United States. The prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program honors recent college graduates, graduate students and young professionals who demonstrate strong academic merit, leadership potential and a commitment to fostering international understanding.

“I’ve been counting down the days,” said Li, 22. “It’s a mix of both excitement and a little anxiety, but I’m ready to learn and embrace what’s different and unique about Taiwan.”

UC’s Office of Nationally Competitive Awards (NCA) guides students through the process of applying for prestigious fellowships. “This year, we had seven UC applicants offered Fulbright grants to support their research, graduate studies and English teaching projects,” said Jenny Hyest, PhD, director of the office. “UC is attracting outstanding students and providing them with the kinds of opportunities and experiences that prepare them to be competitive at the highest levels for impressive awards like Fulbright.”

Connecting through culture and music

Perry Li and Lindner College of Business students at a summit.

Left to right: UC Lindner College of Business students Mehak Sharma, Ejiro Agoba, Bhanesh Manoj and Perry Li at the 2024 Forbes Under 30 Summit. Photo/Provided by Perry Li.

Born and raised in the Chicago suburb of Algonquin, Illinois, Li has spoken Mandarin his entire life and brings a unique perspective as a Chinese American traveling to Taiwan. “It’s a place that’s influenced by China and the U.S. but also embraces its own identity,” he said. “I hope to offer a bridge between cultures.”

In Taitung, Li will learn Taiwanese culture as he shares American culture and teaches English to local students, and he also plans to bring his passion for music. A violinist since age 5, he will be packing his instrument to play with and for students. “Music is one of the most powerful tools for connection,” said Li, who has played for both the UC Symphony Orchestra and Medical Symphony Orchestra.

“Perry has a wealth of mentoring and teaching experiences that gave him a strong skillset for teaching English in another country. He is also someone who engages in and deeply values cross-cultural exchange,” said Michele McDonald, assistant director of the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards, who helped Li prepare his Fulbright application.

Li credits a fellow UC alum, Garrett Ainsworth, who was awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student Program scholarship in 2019 and also went to Taitung, Taiwan, for additional mentoring through the application process.

Foundation for a global perspective

Perry Li with a teaching assistant and a professor

Perry Li with organic chemistry graduate teaching assistant Rohesh and molecular genetics Professor David Wieczorek, PhD, at the Turner Scholars Breakfast of Champions event. Photo/Provided by Perry Li.

At UC, Li was a Cincinnatus Scholar, a Darwin T. Turner Scholar and a member of the University Honors Program. He graduated this spring with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts and had four majors: medical sciences, economics, philosophy and liberal arts with concentrations in integrative health and wellness, bioethics and music.

His wide-ranging interests extend beyond the classroom. On campus, he served as a resident advisor for three years and led initiatives with Refuge-UC and Refuge Collaborative to support English-language learners in Cincinnati Public Schools. He also organized men’s health workshops at Dohn Community High School in partnership with Crossroads Health Center.

Li’s global perspective has been shaped by hands-on experiences. He interned in Mae Sot, Thailand, near the Myanmar border with the UC organization GlobeMed, leading health outreach programs for migrants. He also completed an internship at Shanghai International Medical Center, researching health care system differences between the U.S. and China.

Perry Li and other interns, along with their coordinators, in Thailand. Photo/Provided by Perry Li.

Looking ahead

With family friends in Taiwan and a strong support system behind him, Li is ready for the road ahead. “Fulbright is about bridging cultures,” he said. “And I’m grateful for the chance to do just that.”

While teaching in Taiwan, Li will continue his academic journey and plans to complete UC’s online MBA program. He also plans to begin medical school in the U.S. once he returns in the summer of 2026.

He hopes to one day spend a few years working abroad and improving global public health: “Understanding different perspectives and embracing a culture of humility is essential for becoming the kind of doctor I want to be.”

Left to right: UC students and friends Vrishank Shivaprakash, Aryan Shetty, Perry Li, Ayush Sunkad and Raghav Ramachandiran. Photo/Provided by Perry Li.

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Featured image at top: Perry Li listens to the heart of a girl during his internship at Shanghai International Medical Center. Li was able to acquire the internship through the Shanghai Overseas Returned Scholars Program. Photo/Provided by Perry Li.