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EIU expands global opportunities following Heather Crank’s Fulbright visit to Taiwan

CHARLESTON, IL (04/09/2026) When Heather Crank first enrolled at Olney Central College, she wasn’t certain where her academic journey would lead. After exploring her interests, she discovered a passion that would shape her career — and is now helping to expand global opportunities for students at Eastern Illinois University.

A native of Olney, Illinois and graduate of Richland County High School, Crank transferred to EIU from Olney Central College to major in Spanish after discovering her love for language and culture. She graduated from EIU with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish (2019), along with adjacent minors in Latin American Studies and Political Science.

After the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her initial career plans, Crank returned to EIU to pursue a master’s degree in Political Science with a focus on Public Policy, serving as a graduate assistant during her postgraduate studies. Her thesis explored why underprivileged students often do not pursue study abroad opportunities while in college – a topic that sparked a deeper passion for expanding student access and opportunity for students interested in studying abroad. That passion ultimately led to her current career as EIU’s Study Abroad Assistant Director, where she is currently working to expand international education opportunities to and from EIU.

Recently, Crank’s commitment to global education earned her a prestigious Fulbright Program International Education Administrators Award, which allowed her to travel to Taiwan for an intensive two-week academic and cultural seminar. The Fulbright-funded program covered travel, lodging, and daily expenses, allowing Crank to visit universities, government agencies, and grade schools and places of business across Taiwan to explore partnerships and study abroad opportunities.

The experience also provided valuable insight into Taiwan’s educational priorities, where approximately 23 percent of the national budget is allocated toward education and educational promotion. That level of support has elevated Taiwan to become the second-ranked nation for higher education in the world. Only Canada reports a higher rate, according to recent data by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

“From the moment I arrived, it was clear Taiwan places a tremendous value on education,” Crank said. “Students are encouraged early to explore career paths – whether vocational, agricultural, technological, or academic – and higher education is strongly supported by the government.”

During her visit, Crank toured multiple universities, including National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, where students train in immersive, hands-on environments. Facilities included a simulated aircraft for hospitality training, a student-run restaurant, and a working 12-room hotel where students gain real-world experience before graduation.

She also visited National Chengchi University, located near hiking trails and cultural attractions, one of several Taiwanese universities to offer affordable tuition options and vibrant campus environments. Crank noted Taiwan’s affordability, safety, and accessibility as key advantages for EIU students considering Taiwan for their study abroad experience.

“Transportation is incredibly reliable, cities are walkable, and students can explore everything from night markets to hiking trails affordably,” Crank said. “Plus, Taiwan is also very safe, and the cultural experience is unmatched.”

The seminar included visits to government offices such as Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the American Institute in Taiwan, where participants learned about student exchanges, internships, and English Teaching Assistant programs. Crank also observed English language assistants working in rural elementary schools and spoke with Taiwanese students preparing to teach in the United States.

Taiwan’s academic strengths also stood out, particularly in technology and research. As a global hub for semiconductors, Taiwan also offers opportunities in engineering, STEM fields, medical research, geriatric care, and holistic medicine. Crank visited campuses with specialized research centers focused on diabetes prevention and treatment, aging populations, and proton therapy research, highlighting the country’s innovation and investment in future industries.

Beyond academics, Crank enjoyed Taiwan’s vibrant culture, including its famous night markets, the dietary flexibility of hot pot dining, and its influence as the birthplace of bubble/boba tea. With mild winters averaging 60-80 degrees, reasonable living costs, and welcoming communities, she believes Taiwan offers a compelling destination for EIU students looking to expand their academic opportunities overseas.

“Study abroad gives students a competitive edge in today’s job market,” Crank added. “Employers increasingly value cultural competence and global experience. Study abroad opportunities like those I experienced in Taiwan allow students to stand out to employers and often serve as a point of interest in job interviews.”

Currently, Eastern Illinois University offers a study abroad program in Taipei, with hopes to expand to additional partnerships in the future. Crank encourages students from all backgrounds – particularly first-generation and underrepresented students – to explore international opportunities, noting that financial assistance is often available and these opportunities in some cases may be fully funded.

“Students sometimes assume study abroad is too expensive, but there are scholarships and government-funded opportunities that make it more accessible than many realize,” Crank said. “These experiences can truly be life changing.”

Eastern Illinois University offers study abroad programs across the globe, with a current list of over 50 active, participating countries. Current and prospective EIU students interested in learning more are encouraged to schedule an advising appointment by emailing goabroad@eiu.edu to set up an informal conversation with an EIU program representative.

Outside of her professional work, Crank enjoys hiking, traveling, cooking, and spending time with her husband – passions that continue to fuel her enthusiasm for global exploration and student opportunity.

“Once-in-a-lifetime opportunities are definitely out there, and closer than EIU students might think,” Crank said. “The most important part of the process is just taking that first step by having a conversation with someone from our office.”

Additional information about EIU’s Study Abroad programs is available by contacting Heather Crank at (217) 581-3390, or emailing hncrank@eiu.edu.

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