Nov. 1, 1953 – The first Female Taiwanese Student Studying in the U.S.A

by Enchin Chen

Nov. 1, 1953, I arrived in San Francisco, heading to San Diego for my College Education.  I was the first female to study abroad from Taiwan, although I know there were couple females went to Canada ahead of me.  It took me five years to get my VISA, after I got the full scholarship and applied for the VISA.  Before I left Taiwan, I took a driving lesson.  It was an unusual sight to see a woman driving, and caused big commotions in the city.

My father Rev. Shaw was the only person who could give sermon in English.  He was asked to lead Sunday service in the 7th Fleet which was stationed at northern Taiwan.  One summer day, two officers from the 7th Fleet came to my house and asked my father if any of his children want to study in America.  Before my father can answer the impossible dream, I nodded my head to show that I am very interested.  The officer said that I should hear from a collage in San Diego very shortly.  It took me five years to get my VISA.  By that time, I graduated from High school and graduated from a college where I studied English.  Hard to believe 64 years have passed since I arrived in US!!

Source from Mrs. E. Chen 11/2017

Posted in 11/2017