Recruitment
Recruitment
Recruitment
What happens when a handful of elderly Chinese matriarchs resurrect their beloved college from educational ashes of the Cultural Revolution? Who are the optimistic young adults who attend the new Hwa Nan College for Womens? And how does a retired psychologist with no ESL training muddle through a decade of teaching them English, only to discover that she, herself, has been the student?
——By Dodie Dorothy Johnston, California, Taught at Hwa Nan 2000 - 2011
What happens when a handful of elderly Chinese matriarchs resurrect their beloved college from educational ashes of the Cultural Revolution? Who are the optimistic young adults who attend the new Hwa Nan College for Womens? And how does a retired psychologist with no ESL training muddle through a decade of teaching them English, only to discover that she, herself, has been the student?
——By Dodie Dorothy Johnston, California,
Taught at Hwa Nan 2000 - 2011
Come Teach at Hwa Nan
Come Teach at Hwa Nan
Come Teach at Hwa Nan
Since its re-establishment in October 1984, Hwa Nan Women’s College has placed great emphasis on international exchange and cooperation. Under the leadership of Dr. Yu Bao Sheng, the college actively engaged with global education networks and gained significant support from organizations such as UBCHEA (United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia), the GBGM (General Board of Global Ministries), and the Amity Foundation, as well as provincial and municipal governments.
Since 1985, foreign teachers from countries including the U.S., U.K., Australia and Finland were invited to teach at Hwa Nan, particularly in the English Department. These teachers were recruited through trusted networks, including recommendations from alumni and international educational partners. Many brought with them not only subject expertise but also cross-cultural perspectives that deeply enriched student learning.
Meet Our International Faculty
Meet Our International Faculty
Meet Our International Faculty
Our Former International Faculty
Our Former International Faculty
Our Former International Faculty
—Excerpts from Hwa Nan Women's College Archives
—Excerpts from Hwa Nan Women's College Archives
—Excerpts from Hwa Nan Women's College Archives
“Culture differences are less of an issue in a college in comparison with other sectors, particularly in Hwa Nan, where the international faculty is full of love, empathy and tolerance for students. When local faculty speak of Hwa Nan’s international teachers, their words are filled with love, respect, and deep gratitude, which transcend language and cultural differences. ”
——Martha Sue Todd, North Carolina,
Taught at Hwa Nan from 1992 to 1995.
“Culture differences are less of an issue in a college in comparison with other sectors, particularly in Hwa Nan, where the international faculty is full of love, empathy and tolerance for students. When local faculty speak of Hwa Nan’s international teachers, their words are filled with love, respect, and deep gratitude, which transcend language and cultural differences. ”
——Martha Sue Todd, North Carolina,
Taught at Hwa Nan from 1992 to 1995.
Gordon Trimble
USA, Hawaii, 2005 to present
When I invited Gordon to introduce himself to my class, he said: My name is Gordon and my father was born in 1915. Looking at his wife and said: Her name is Sonia and her father was born in 1915. My father was born in Fujian, China. Her father was born in Fujian, China. My last name is Trimble. Her last name is Trimble. How can we create an environment where students are competing with each other to improve their public speaking skills? Learning is difficult, I focus more of the learning process than trying to think of what things students might consider interesting. It is the students that make a class interesting and set the tone and the bar. I take time to explain why knowing this or being able to do that will make them a happier, more successful person. I try to relate learning to what life is like after college.
Dodie Johnston
California, 2000 - 2011
Because of the international culture created by Hwa Nan for many years, the college become a meeting venue for culture from different places to travel thousands of miles just to meet a bosom friend. Dodie met Jeanne Philips in 2000. Sometimes you just know when you meet someone, that you are going to be good friends. Jeanne and Dodie liked each other right from the first time they met and built a very special friendship. When Jeanne was unable to return to china, Dodie visited her in Colorado. Hwa Nan staff were all so accommodating, willing to be friends with foreign teachers. Dodie’s friends who taught at different colleges were jealous about how friendly and supportive Hwa Nan was to foreign teachers. I brought in National Geographic magazines and had my students pick a country that interested them and convince the rest of us we should go visit. Life has been very hard for Chinese people for centuries and some of the things I saw as rude or pushy had been necessary for their survival. I cringed when I saw a parent making his down syndrome child beg in a train station or shopkeepers sweeping their commercial garbage into the street. I constantly made a big fuss about not cheating in my class. But what do I know about the conditions that drive people to this behavior? The complexity of Chinese society can sometimes be overwhelming and de-humanizing, at least to an outsider who doesn’t understand it. What I do understand is that disregard for rules when so many rules are enforced arbitrarily or not at all. The more I returned to China, the more I tried to become flexible in my judgements and to accept that, while I was in their country, I needed to accept how things were done and try to understand why, rather than feeling frustrated or angry. I am sure this is often true for Chinese people getting used to American ways when in the U.S.
Lisa Ravenhill
Born in US, grew up in New Zealand, 1992-1996
With an English father and an America mother, I have the advantage of knowing both accents. My family traveled quite a lot growing up so I got to experience a lot of different cultures . I studied home science at Ogago university in New Zealand, home economics at Texas womens university in the USA, and got a teaching English as a second language qualification through the university of the holy land, Isreal. I read about Hwa Nan in a professional science journal and realized that my education background fit in really well. Since I had planned on coming to teach in China and was interested in education for women, this college seemed an obvious choice. What I gained in experience, knowledge of a new place and culture, and the chance to be friend with Chinese people was far more valuable. My goal was simply to get the student to believe that they could learn English and grow in confidence. To that end, I used whatever materials I found personally interesting and actually wanted to teach. I hope that my students would find the lesson equally interesting and my enthusiasm for the English language infectious! I understand the role of teacher as both an authority in interaction and transaction. This was not hard as I was also a young teacher and is still learning how to teach. Not only that but I was learning how to teach Chinese students, I was learning about their culture, background and point of views. That’s a humble position to be in as a teacher. Language and culture are deeply rooted. I taught my student the culturally appropriate and natural usage of these words and phrases. I don’t know if I chose to teach in china or if was chosen for me, but I love living in China. Rather than developing my career, I chose to make a life here. It’s an abundant life because I get to do what I love and I love what I do! I felt it was a privilege to be in china and the staff of the foreign affairs office were so welcoming, kind and helpful that I was barely aware of the poor living conditions. Again, my life was so rich in experiences and friendships that I did not need to focus on what I didn’t have! There was the occasional rat, bouts and food poisoning, no-water Mondays, no international phone line( and definitely no internet in those days), but these types of “hardship” just made for great China stories and experiences. In Lisa’s class, there were many interesting things. She took us to McDonalds’s ( just opened in Fujiang in 1994) on the other side of the bridge. We at and chat about anything we liked. She also took us to the kitchen in foreign faculty house and make many different pastries. In one special class, she taught us how to play UNO cards. She said we could only talk in English. It really surprised us that we understood Lisa’s explanation about the game effortlessly.
Lisa Long
Washington, 2004 - 2006
I lived in a big house with most of the foreign teachers from Hwa Nan, so it is like living in a tiny UN or a mini-America. I feel comfortable in Fuzhou, know my way around well enough to give directions to other people and have even been mistaken for a resident of Fuzhou a few times.
Martha Sue Todd
North Carolina, 1992 - 1995
Sue put her class everywhere, sometimes in the kitchen of foreign affairs office, in her living room or in the video room. Sometimes in the market or in the park. Sometimes in the church or in Macdonald. In her class, students often acquired English and used English unconsciously. With Sue’s influence, speaking English became such a natural thing for her students. Sue named my daughter Esther after her grandma. We stayed in touch for over 20 years. Sue taught me more than just English. Culture differences are less of an issue in a college in comparison with other sectors, particularly in Hwa Nan, where the international faculty is full of love, empathy and tolerance for students. When local faculty speak of Hwa Nan’s international teachers, their words are filled with love, respect, and deep gratitude, which transcend language and cultural differences.
Dr. Betts Rivet
California, 1992 - 2011
Coming to Hwa Nan Women’s college all began with a phone call in 1991. The call was from friend telling me about a college in China that needed foreign teachers. I was 63 years old and was going to retire from education next year. I said: “No, I would never want to teach in China, thank you.”. After several more phone calls from my friend, I finally wrote to the college about the names and phone numbers of other foreign teachers. When calling them, they all had great things to say about Hwa Nan so I decided to take a chance. My friend went “cold feet” at the last minute and did not come with me. I came alone to China to teach English at Hwa Nan, for almost 20 years. In 1992, there were 14 foreign teachers at that time. We were complete volunteers and that continued for 4 years. We didn’t receive any paycheck from the college and we paid for our own travel expenses. I lived in Puerto Rico for 14 years. I piloted my own plane into Mexico with doctors and dentists to medically minister in small villages. I even learned to bargain in china by myself. To get along with locals is to learn their ways. Betts took her students to visit the school for the blind. She also showed the film about Helen Keller, to let her students see different ways of learning a language. Betts found out that around 90% of her students had never been to provincial museum, she rent a bus to take each class to museum. In the old campus, the kitchen in the foreign teacher’s dorm was dark, dingy and no fridge. Coal was used for cooking. Betts drafted a plan for a new kitchen and with the school’s help, Betts hired a man to build a modern kitchen adding cabinets, gas burners, a fridge, better lighting and tile counters. When the college moved to the new campus, the school budget was slim to furnish all 20 apartments. Betts financed a fund-raising campaign and collected $50,000 in 6 months from supporters in China, USA, England and Canada.
Judy & Jack Williamsons
Illinois, 1989 - 1992
At 10:05 on Friday morning, June 26, 1992, Judy and Jack took flight 5005 back to the US via Hong Kong after 3 years of teaching in Hwa Nan. Judy taught English in HK as a missionary from the Methodist from 1958 to 1964. She taught English in Malaysia and Singapore from 1964 to 1987.duct.
Elisabet Kohler
Finland, 1988 - 2014
During the summer 1998, there was an ad in the biggest newspapaer in Finland that UN was looking for a secretarial skills instructor who could work at Hwa Nan Fuzhou. It felt like Elisabet’s destiny, she applied to become Finland’s candidate for the UNDP( united nations development program) project in china. UNDP was looking for one to be in Beijing and one in Fuzhou. Through a lengthy test done in Finnish Foreign Ministry, she was elected Finland’s candidate for the position. Though she doesn’t hold a MBA, nor is she a native spearker of English, the Chinese education commission chose her. She was the first UN volunteer from Finland who came to china to teach in Hwa Nan. Every culture has its own specific facial and body expressions which you simply have to learn. That is the intriguing part of meeting people from different culture. And you should always respect other people and their culture. Never put yourself on higher horses and think that your culture is the only good one.
Kay Grimmesey
California, 1998 - 2011
I have never met anyone as genuinely unselfish and principled as Kay. One year when I(Dodie Johnston) was unsure about returning to Hwa Nan(in the early 2000s when our salaries were very low), Kay paid for my round trip ticket to Fuzhou, an impressive outlay of money. Kay never complained about the qualities of the students she had, although there may be variations in the students qualities. Eleven years passed like a day, she encouraged her students with her gentleness, caring and patience. Kay returned to Hwa Nan in September 2013 for the 105th anniversary with Betts. She stayed at Hwa Nan for a month, during which she walkted into the English classroom again to co-teach with Chinese teachers as well as joining the English corner on Friday night.
Dr. Jeanne Philips
Colorado, 1985 - 2003
Jeann’s dorm was very simple in a closed-in area in the back of her classroom. It was extremely cold in Fuzhou in winter and there was no heat back in the days. She used to sleep in four layers of clothes, with a wool hat and two pairs of socks. Jeann often took a camera with her to take pictures of her students anytime. She sent the best photo for each one of her students as a gift before their graduation and wrote about what the students are good at the back of the photo. Jean found it was necessary to buy a video recorder to play original English movies to her students, she went out with a teacher and bought one. She then asked her friends in the US to send her movie video tapes as teaching materials for the students.
Laihar Wong
Australia, 1993 - 2003
Laihar is a low profile, diligent and upright foreign teacher full of love, which impresses us deeply. She is our role model. Every year when the winter vacation ends, she visits the orphanage of Fuzhou, bringing the orphans there some life necessities like books and snacks. Add humor in your teaching- explain words, give an illustration, tell stories, joke with students.
Dr. Marian Davis
Florida, 1988 - 1995
Since 1988, Marian had visited Hwa Nan once a year for several years, holding academic workshops for the students of fashion design department.
Former International Faculty Members
Former International Faculty Members
Former International
Faculty Members
Over the past four decades, more than one hundred international educators have taught at and contributed to Hwa Nan. These remarkable individuals have brought with them not only academic expertise, but also a wealth of cultural traditions and fresh perspectives. Their presence has transformed Hwa Nan classrooms into spaces of vibrant cross-cultural dialogue—where independent thinking is encouraged, and diversity of thought is celebrated.
Faculty and Student Engagement on Campus
Faculty and Student Engagement on Campus
Faculty and Student Engagement on Campus
Beyond the classroom, international educators worked closely with local colleagues, exchanging ideas and teaching methods. Their syllabi, materials, and reflections became valuable resources for Hwa Nan’s ongoing development. The college’s leadership remains committed to supporting, honoring, and connecting these visiting scholars.
Accomodations
Accomodations
Accomodations
At Hwa Nan, we go beyond the classroom to ensure our international faculty feel truly at home. The dedicated International Faculty Building offers more than just housing—it’s a hub of comfort, connection, and community. Residents enjoy nutritious, thoughtfully prepared meals, with the added flexibility of a shared kitchen for personal cooking.
Support extends well beyond teaching. From daily life logistics to cultural integration, our team is here to help every step of the way. Faculty are regularly invited to participate in enriching campus activities like English Corner, Speech Contests, and Drama Nights—fostering both language development and a vibrant, inclusive community spirit.
Educational Exchange with U.S. Schools
Educational Exchange with U.S. Schools
Educational Exchange with U.S. Schools
Gordon Trimble and the Trimble Foundation have played a vital role in strengthening academic and cultural exchanges between Hwa Nan and educational partners in the United States.
Hwa Nan Women’s College and University of Puget Sound Delegation Gather in Kuliang for Cultural Exchange
President Ren Jianhong, Vice President Huang Leijing, along with faculty, students, and representatives from local friendship organizations...
Hwa Nan Women’s College and University of Puget Sound Delegation Gather in Kuliang for Cultural Exchange
President Ren Jianhong, Vice President Huang Leijing, along with faculty, students, and representatives from local friendship organizations...
Hwa Nan Women’s College and University of Puget Sound Delegation Gather in Kuliang for Cultural Exchange
University of Puget Sound President Dr. Isiaah Crawford Visits Hwa Nan Women’s College to Strengthen 30-Year Partnership
Dr. Isiaah Crawford, President of the University of Puget Sound (UPS), led a three-member delegation on an official visit to Hwa Nan Women’s College.
University of Puget Sound President Dr. Isiaah Crawford Visits Hwa Nan Women’s College to Strengthen 30-Year Partnership
Dr. Isiaah Crawford, President of the University of Puget Sound (UPS), led a three-member delegation on an official visit to Hwa Nan Women’s College.
University of Puget Sound President Dr. Isiaah Crawford Visits Hwa Nan Women’s College to Strengthen 30-Year Partnership
Strengthening International Collaboration: Visit from University of Puget Sound's Director of International Programs
On May 8th, Professor Roy Robinson, Director of International Programs at the University of Puget Sound (UPS), USA, visited Hwa Nan Women’s College...
Strengthening International Collaboration: Visit from University of Puget Sound's Director of International Programs
On May 8th, Professor Roy Robinson, Director of International Programs at the University of Puget Sound (UPS), USA, visited Hwa Nan Women’s College...
Strengthening International Collaboration: Visit from University of Puget Sound's Director of International Programs
Strengthening Sino-American Educational Exchange: Visit from Sacred Hearts Academy
To enhance academic and cultural exchange between our institutions, Hwa Nan Women’s College invited a delegation of 10 students and faculty members...
Strengthening Sino-American Educational Exchange: Visit from Sacred Hearts Academy
To enhance academic and cultural exchange between our institutions, Hwa Nan Women’s College invited a delegation of 10 students and faculty members...
Strengthening Sino-American Educational Exchange: Visit from Sacred Hearts Academy
2017 Visit from Sacred Hearts Academy
To enhance global academic collaboration, Hwa Nan Women’s College invited a delegation of seven students and faculty members from ...
2017 Visit from Sacred Hearts Academy
To enhance global academic collaboration, Hwa Nan Women’s College invited a delegation of seven students and faculty members from ...
2017 Visit from Sacred Hearts Academy
Bridging Cultures: A Warm Winter of Sino-American Exchange
A delegation of eight students and faculty members from Sacred Hearts Academy arrived in Fujian for an 11-day cultural exchange program.
Bridging Cultures: A Warm Winter of Sino-American Exchange
A delegation of eight students and faculty members from Sacred Hearts Academy arrived in Fujian for an 11-day cultural exchange program.
Bridging Cultures: A Warm Winter of Sino-American Exchange
The Arrival of Autumn in Guliang: Renewing Sino-American Friendship
As autumn arrives in Guliang as expected, so do its distant friends. In the fragrant season of blooming osmanthus flowers, Guliang welcomed members...
The Arrival of Autumn in Guliang: Renewing Sino-American Friendship
As autumn arrives in Guliang as expected, so do its distant friends. In the fragrant season of blooming osmanthus flowers, Guliang welcomed members...
The Arrival of Autumn in Guliang: Renewing Sino-American Friendship
Sino-American "Sisterhood" Bonded by Kuliang
Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College established a sister-school relationship with the University of Puget Sound.
Sino-American "Sisterhood" Bonded by Kuliang
Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College established a sister-school relationship with the University of Puget Sound.
Sino-American "Sisterhood" Bonded by Kuliang
UBCHEA (United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia)
A Lifelong Partnership: The United Board’s Support for Hwa Nan
UBCHEA (United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia)
A Lifelong Partnership: The United Board’s Support for Hwa Nan
UBCHEA (United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia)
Hwa Nan and the US University Partnership
Hwa Nan and the US University Partnership
Hwa Nan and the US University Partnership
RECEIVE TO SERVE
Hwa Nan Alumnae Inc.
hwananalumnaeinc@gmail.com
700 E. Birch Street, Unit 591, Brea, CA 92822
Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College Contact Jessica Cheng
hnwfao@126.com
86-591-8742-9960
EIN: 95-3837487
501 (c) (3) organization
RECEIVE TO SERVE
Hwa Nan Alumnae Inc.
hwananalumnaeinc@gmail.com
700 E. Birch Street, Unit 591, Brea, CA 92822
Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College Contact Jessica Cheng
hnwfao@126.com
86-591-8742-9960
EIN: 95-3837487
501 (c) (3) organization
RECEIVE TO SERVE
Hwa Nan Alumnae Inc.
hwananalumnaeinc@gmail.com
700 E. Birch Street, Unit 591, Brea, CA 92822
Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College Contact Jessica Cheng
hnwfao@126.com
86-591-8742-9960
EIN: 95-3837487
501 (c) (3) organization