Living and learning across cultures

Guofang Wan, professor in the School of Education, has always dreamed of becoming a Fulbright Scholar. Over the years, she has been passionate about international education, including writing recommendations for colleagues pursuing the prestigious Fulbright award. This time around, she thought, “Why not me?”  

This spring, she realized that longtime goal by serving as a Fulbright Distinguished Scholar in Brazil. 

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program allows Americans to teach, conduct research, and collaborate on projects in more than 135 countries. Distinguished Scholar awards, reserved for senior scholars with experience in their field, are among the most prestigious appointments. 

“I have always been curious about the Brazilian educational system,” Wan said. “I decided to apply for the Fulbright Distinguished Scholar in Brazil and was fortunate to be accepted.”  

Wan spent the semester at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), one of the top public universities in Brazil and Latin America. The university serves a student body of 40,000, including many international students. She also connected with faculty and provided seminars for the University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), a Brazilian private Jesuit university. 

Her Fulbright research focused on understanding the Brazilian education system and the educational philosophies underpinning its teaching practices. Wan credits her host, Rosane Silveira, PhD, professor at UFSC, with providing valuable support throughout the semester.   

In addition to her Fulbright research and supervision of Loyola University Chicago doctoral students, Wan led multiple talks and workshops for faculty, staff, and students on two timely topics:

1. The impact of GenAI on education and the importance of adopting a critical approach.
2. Best instructional practices that align with students’ learning styles, prior knowledge, home culture, and interests.

Wan also laid the groundwork for potential future program connections for Loyola and Brazilian universities, discussing ideas in recruitment, joint programs, and study abroad opportunities.   

Bringing lessons home 

Her time in Brazil was transformative both professionally and personally. 

“It was inspiring and eye-opening,” Wan said. “Traveling, working, and learning to live with people from other cultures–not just one, but many–gave me a deeper appreciation of global education.”  

She described her Brazilian colleagues and students as highly engaged: eager to learn, quick to ask questions, and responsive in research-intensive settings.  

“Everyone should get the chance to live and learn in a different culture,” Wan said. “That’s one of the greatest values of the Fulbright experience.”  

Wan, who earned her PhD from Penn State University, has worked in higher education for more than 25 years with experience in teaching, research, and administration. A former chair of the School of Education’s Teaching & Learning program, she teaches courses in Curriculum and Instruction and supervises doctoral students. Wan also serves as a Faculty Scholar for the Faculty Center for Ignatian Pedagogy.  

“I’m committed to maintaining the strong connections I’ve built in Brazil,” Wan said. “I look forward to sharing what I’ve learned with my Loyola students and accompanying them on their study abroad experiences.”   

Read more stories from the School of Education.