Rickey Frierson’s doctoral studies at the University of Houston College of Education recently took him to Taipei, Taiwan.

Frierson and Yali Zou, director of the Asian American Studies Center at the College of Education, presented a paper on diversity integration during a conference at National Taiwan Normal University in October. The presentation focused on using diversity integration as a strategy to help students appreciate each other’s unique experiences. In a study abroad setting, the method can help with the persistence, retention and graduation of disadvantaged students.

The paper was titled “Diversity Integration: The Effective Strategy to Enhance Students’ Academic Success in Higher Education.”

“Our presentation received very high remarks and was widely accepted by the conference, presentation evaluators, and audience members,” Frierson said.

Overall, Frierson said, the trip to Taipei was devoted to learning from Taiwanese universities and sharing best practices for helping disadvantaged students succeed in higher education. Called the International Conference on the Education of Disadvantaged Students: Reflections and Prospects, the gathering focused on trends and issues related to academic success, social class, health disparities and diversity.

“I would say other highlights of the trip were learning about the rich culture and history of Taiwan, being immersed into a new language and culture, and challenging myself to adapt to the custom of the city,” Frierson said. “The beautiful scenery of being surrounded by mountains and viewing unique architecture was a wonderful experience.”

The Asian American Studies Center sponsors the China Study Abroad program at the College of Education to help develop stronger relationships among students regardless of their sociocultural and economic background. The program also nurtures appreciation and respect of differences, strengthens dedication to academic work, and generates social connections.