Puget Sound Scholar Seeks Cultural Perspective Abroad

For University of Puget Sound Scholar Albert Chang-Yoo, gaining cultural perspective is integral to leadership development. This spring, he will travel to Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan and Japan in pursuit of that goal as a participant in Puget Sound’s Pacific Rim (PacRim) Study Abroad program.

The PacRim program “promotes the development of intellectual autonomy, challenging students both in the classroom and in experiential contexts throughout Asia.” Students travel with a faculty director assigned from the Asian studies department at Puget Sound.

As a part of the trip, Albert will participate in a course in each country taught by a local professor and conduct a personal research project. He will study international political economics in Thailand, sociology and anthropology in Malaysia, and World War II history in Taiwan and Japan.

“Any space that calls for leaders on campus has Posse Scholars. We are encouraged to support and uplift one another. That’s what I try to do.”

Albert, who was editor-in-chief for his high school newspaper and is an editor for the Puget Sound newspaper, plans to use his journalistic skills while abroad.

“I don’t think you can have true perspective of the world without traveling internationally,” he says. “On this trip, I will be able to immerse myself in culture and place. That is what journalism is—interacting with people and hearing their stories.”

Albert plans to keep a detailed journal of his experiences abroad and to produce a photo project focused on street food and ethnic identity.

“Albert is curious, a strong advocate for his peers, and the kind of leader who empowers other people to lead,” says Bay Area site Director Joshua Fenton. “Albert demonstrates what it means to be a Posse Scholar.”

Upon completion of the PacRim program, Albert plans to extend his travels and stay in Asia through the summer, supported by additional financial aid from Puget Sound.

Albert credits Posse with creating an on-campus environment that builds “accessibility of leadership.”

“Posse is a scholarship, but it’s also a community,” he says. “Any space that calls for leaders on campus has Posse Scholars. We are encouraged to support and uplift one another. That’s what I try to do.”