When Chris Wang SM ’14 came to Harvard from China for a master’s program in engineering sciences, he had never been to another country, let alone lived away from his parents or hometown. Faced with an unfamiliar culture and a language barrier, Wang remembers feeling lonely.
This changed when he took part in the English Language Program (ELP) at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). ELP helps prepare international students for a life at Harvard by offering intensive reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension instruction.
“Harvard was very supportive,” says Wang. “I met regularly with a tutor to talk with her and perfect my pronunciation. It was critical in helping me understand American culture better.”
He felt the same compassion from faculty. “The professors at Harvard were very kind to me. They would arrange special office hours to talk about any concerns I had and helped me understand the work,” he says.
For Wang, this kindness makes Harvard a school like no other.
“The faculty work very hard on their research, but they are also very passionate about teaching and really helping students,” he says.
In gratitude, Wang has made a gift to GSAS to support ELP. “Without funding, students wouldn’t have access to the same kinds of programs that I did. I want more of my future classmates to enjoy these benefits,” he says. It’s also why he volunteers for the Graduate School Fund on the associates committee.
“Dean Meng uses funds like mine to promote fellowships, workshops, and courses to help students improve their communication skills. This is so valuable,” he says.
Despite past challenges, Wang takes with him fond memories of GSAS.
“I only spent one year at Harvard, but I discovered so much about myself, my passion, and what kind of life I want,” he says.
This was especially true of the classes he took outside of his major. “I learned so much about the humanities and it was life-changing,” he says. “I think it is so important to understand what people want in life. The humanities really define what human beings are and I use that every day in my business.”
Now in Palo Alto, California, Wang runs Silicon Valley Association of Chinese Entrepreneurs, an organization that helps start-ups connect with venture funds from China. He plans to earn an MBA and looks forward for additional opportunities to interact with Harvard.
“I always want to find ways to give back and return to the Harvard campus,” he says.