Through Cal State Fullerton International Programs, scholars from around the world have the opportunity to visit the university as they conduct research, teach or consult with CSUF faculty members.
Yanan Feng, an assistant professor from Guangzhou Sport University in China, is currently a visiting scholar at CSUF.
Feng’s introduction to CSUF began in 2019 when she attended the university’s second annual Center for Sociocultural Sport and Olympic Research Conference. As a Ph.D. candidate, she was visiting the United States through the Visiting Scholar Program at Western Michigan University. She attended the conference to present on the appeal of postmodern urban change to the Olympic Games. CSSOR gave Feng a great impression of CSUF.
“I found that the center at CSUF is very amazing,” said Feng. “It has many outstanding scholars. It also holds many interesting academic activities.”
That’s why, five years later, she returned to the U.S. and did her second visiting study through CSUF’s J-1 Visiting Scholars Program. With a focus on humanity and sports sociology, Feng is conducting research on the Olympics during her visit. Her research focuses on Olympic cities, development and legacy.
“I think Olympic study is international, comprehensive and cross-cultural,” she said. “So it is very important for students and scholars to keep up with the latest development tendencies and share different viewpoints with each other. I think a new study experience will improve my research method and give me more research inspiration.”
Feng is guided by her host faculty, Matthew Llewellyn, professor of kinesiology and co-director of CSSOR. He helps Feng understand how Olympic research is conducted in the U.S., which will go toward her transnational academic survey. In addition to research, Llewellyn is providing Feng with opportunities for service and teaching. She will help with activities at this year’s CSSOR conference and assist the kinesiology department with their summer 2024 study abroad program to Greece. Toward the end of the semester, she’ll have the opportunity to teach in Llewellyn’s classes, lecturing about the history, philosophy, and sociology of sports and kinesiology.
Born and raised in the UK, Llewellyn has his own experience as a study abroad student. “In 2001, when I was an undergraduate student in Wales, I took part in an international exchange program just down the road at Long Beach State. I had an amazing, life-changing and transformative time there.”
Since that experience, Llewellyn made a promise to himself that he would continue to broaden his academic horizons and support international students in any way he could. So far, he has hosted six visiting scholars at CSUF, including Feng.
“Having the opportunity to learn from them, for them to show me how they conduct research in their home countries, and how they go about teaching and instructing in courses that are closely affiliated with mine is a major benefit to me professionally,” said Llewellyn.
Likewise, Feng added that she strongly encourages international students to become a visiting scholar.
“I’m very happy I have this opportunity to go to California State University, Fullerton. I think it is a valuable opportunity to change your life academically and professionally,” she said.
Check out Feng and Llewellyn’s interview video to hear their full inspiring story. To learn more about visiting scholars and CSUF’s J-1 Visiting Scholars Program, visit the International Programs website.