Summer 2025 brought many talented interns to the Community Services Center, and continuing our Intern Spotlight series is Nina Wang! You might have recognized Nina’s contributions at our Wrap & Roll dumpling making event in June. Let’s hear from Nina about her experience as a student intern at the Center.
About Nina Wang
Hi, my name is Nina and I’m a rising high school senior! I grew up in Florida but moved back to Taiwan in 7th grade. Currently, I’m exploring various interests both in and out of school and am looking to gain more hands-on experience to acquire valuable skills and insights. Some things I enjoy in my free time include baking, dancing, and spending time with my family and friends.
What inspired you to intern at the Center, and what drew you to our mission?
Over the past couple of years, I have developed a greater interest in the field of healthcare, specifically psychology and nursing. In the future, I hope to harness my knowledge in psychology and biology into something meaningful, perhaps contributing to the wellbeing of others.
As I sought opportunities to gain experience in a professional setting while using the skills that I have developed to help others, I was intrigued by the internship position at the Center, which encompassed program planning and project management. Both in and out of school, I’m involved in quite a bit of organizations that do a variety of activities. From volunteer work to grade-wide events, I have developed organizational, communication, and leadership skills — skills that seemed to fit this position perfectly.
Moreover, the mission of the Center, which is to provide help and support to all individuals, from Taiwan’s international community to anyone who is struggling with mental health issues, aligns perfectly with my overarching goal — contributing to the wellbeing of others through support networks and accessible resources. I recognized this internship position as a valuable opportunity to gain a fulfilling experience in a professional environment, acquire meaningful insights, and learn more about how psychology can be used to create a larger impact.
Can you share a favorite project or moment from your time here so far?
Throughout my time at The Center, there have been so many fun and meaningful moments that have provided me with so many valuable insights. One project that I have particularly enjoyed is our dumpling-wrapping family workshop. From brainstorming the idea to learning how to wrap dumplings to the actual workshop itself, this project has truly been extremely fun and rewarding. Moreover, throughout the process of planning this event, I have learned a lot on what it takes to organize events, such as the necessary steps to coordinate logistics and the importance of communicating with the entire team to ensure everything runs smoothly.
What’s something valuable you’ve learned about supporting the international community in Taiwan?
Moving to Taiwan can come with various emotional and practical challenges. Whether it’s language barriers, cultural differences, or simply settling into life in Taiwan can take time and support. The Center is here to help support the international community in Taiwan, helping them transition to their new life by fostering a welcoming and supportive environment. Throughout my time at the Center, I firsthand saw how fostering a tight-knit community can help newcomers feel more comfortable, supported, and at home. From yoga classes to Chinese classes to outdoor outings, I’ve come to understand the importance of building community in order to help support the international community in Taiwan.
How has this internship influenced your perspective or future goals?
One aspect of this internship that I have really enjoyed is the opportunity to interact with the members of the Center’s community. Whether it’s offering support or simply engaging in conversation, these interactions have truly added depth and another perspective to my internship experience. In addition to gaining exposure to a professional environment, through meetings, assignments, and tasks, I’m also given the opportunity to connect with the broader community at the Center. In the future, I hope to continue to serve and help people, fostering deeper connections and meaningful interactions.
What challenges have you encountered during your internship, and how did you overcome them?
As this was my first formal internship, I hadn’t gained much exposure to a work environment beforehand. Initially, I wasn’t sure if there was a “proper” way to act in the workplace and was extra cautious to avoid making any mistakes. However, I soon realized that everyone at the Center values learning and growth over perfection. This understanding helped me feel comfortable to ask questions whenever I needed guidance and to fully engage in my work. I am extremely grateful that the Center has provided me with a welcoming and nurturing environment.
What’s one thing you’d like the community to know about the Center that they might not already?
For me, I think it’s the tight-knit, supportive, and inclusive culture that is cultivated by the Center through the wide range of events that truly brings together Taiwan’s international community. Moving to a foreign country where languages, culture, and internal systems are entirely different can be extremely challenging, in a practical and emotional sense. I want Taiwan’s international community to know and understand that the Center is a safe and welcoming place — a place where they can meet new people, develop practical skills, or to simply find extra support during this difficult transition. To help more people discover the Center, I think we could share some stories from members, such as interviews, to invite more people to join.
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