Julia Chan

AccessCIU

Why did you choose Columbia International University?

I have some good friends graduated from CIU, and now they are pastors or missionaries.  They (including the leaders from my local church) highly recommended me to choose CIU because it was a mission-minded seminary that really motivated me to be a student of CIU.

What is your program of study?

I am an AccessCIU full-time student in the Master of Arts (Theological Studies) program.

What is your current occupation and location (if appropriate)?

I was a computer programmer for 18 years in NJ. I quit my professional job and became a full time CIU student in January, 2010.  So far I have been really enjoying studying at CIU.

What do you like best about CIU?

There are so many wonderful things I like about CIU.  I like best are godly people around me: faculty, staff, and classmates.  They all show support and passion to live out their faith.  I came back to my church after my first study in the campus last winter, many people told me while I shared a lot of amazing experience in CIU, my face was glowing that attracted one of the sisters came with me for my second study in the campus this summer.  This sister decided to study in CIU after she had the same wonderful experience as mine.

What has been your favorite class at CIU and why?

There are so many good classes that I like.  The most recent one I just took comes to my mind is “Communicating Cross-Culturally” with Dr. Steyne.  The professor and students are from many different countries, we had interesting interaction with different worldview. To understand the implications of “worldview” have helped to reorient my approach to the Christian faith in three ways: the way I see myself and others, the way I read the scriptures and the way I challenge myself if my worldview conflicts or reflects God’s worldview.  I can practice what I have learned in my daily life.

What do you want to do after graduation from CIU?

My passion is towards missions.  I plan to serve on the mission field after graduation from CIU.  I like and want to follow CIU’s motto: “to know Him and to make Him known” wherever God leads me.