I-Ping Fu

Elementary Chinese I & II (CHNS 100/200): In the first part of this course sequence that introduces students to basic Mandarin Chinese, we focus on Pinyin, tones, pronunciation, foundational vocabulary, simple sentence structures and everyday conversation. In the second part of this course sequence, we build on that foundation by expanding vocabulary, introducing more complex grammar patterns and developing greater fluency in listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Trademarks in Chinese Culture (CHNS 103): Taught in English, this course explores significant trademarks of Chinese culture, including the geography of China, the general history of China, Chinese philosophy, Chinese calligraphy, Confucian family values, traditional medicine, tea culture, Chinese holidays and symbolic foods used during festivals. Students engage with cultural practices and philosophies that continue to shape daily life in China and Taiwan.

Intermediate Chinese I & II (CHNS 302/303): In the first part of this course sequence, we focus on developing conversational fluency, reading short texts and expressing opinions on everyday topics using more complex sentence structures. In the second part of this course sequence, we build on this foundation by expanding vocabulary, improving speaking, practicing reading comprehension of authentic materials and guiding students toward discussing and writing about culturally nuanced topics with greater confidence.

Transitional Mandarin Chinese Language and Culture (CHNS 310): The final language course in the Foreign Languages Minor (for students specializing in Chinese) at Radford University, this course strengthens students' skills in speaking, reading and writing Mandarin through expanded vocabulary and structured practice. By the end of the semester, each student will publish a personal introduction book in Chinese, showcasing their growth and ability to communicate about themselves in a culturally appropriate and meaningful way.

Topics in Asian Cuisines and Cultures (CCST 320): In this course, students learn about a broad array of Asian cultures through cooking their typical cuisines, which equips them to better explore and inquire about Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Thai and/or Vietnamese cultures.

Chinese Club Faculty Advisor: In this role, I helped establish Radford University's Chinese Club and continue to work closely with students to help them plan and host at least two major cultural events each year, such as Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Both events are open to the RU campus and the broader New River Valley community. I also support students in organizing fundraising activities and provide mentorship in cross-cultural leadership and event planning.

Study Abroad Director: I plan, organize, coordinate and lead students to study abroad in China and Taiwan each summer. If you have questions about these opportunities or potential funding options, let me know!

Kirk Scholarship Program Director: In this role, I promote the Kirk Scholarship, which helps to fund students' study abroad trips. In addition to marketing this scholarship, I help to identify and encourage interested students to apply for it successfully.

Chinese Placement Testing Director: I assess students' Chinese language ability and place them into the correct Chinese course-level with the School of Writing, Language and Literature (SWLL). If you're interested in taking a Chinese language course but aren't quite sure where to start based on your prior experience, I'm happy to help!

Chinese Language and Culture Instructor: In addition to my work at Radford University, I also assist with Virginia Tech's TRIO Upward Bound Summer Program by introducing high school students to Chinese language and culture through interactive lessons, hands-on activities and cultural demonstrations that aim to spark their interest in global learning.

Certified Chinese Language Consultant, Educator and Translator: I have provided various translation services for Radford City schools, Montgomery County public schools, Pulaski County Department of Social Services and the Women's Resource Center of the New River Valley, as well as for Virginia courts, businesses, hospitals and health departments.

• "What to Expect When Traveling in Taiwan." Presented at Radford University's Study Abroad Program in Taiwan Workshop. Apr. 2025.
• "What to Expect When Traveling in China." Presented at Virginia Tech's Pamplin College of Business Study Abroad Program in China Workshop. Apr. 2024.
• Goa, Yan and Fu, I-Ping. "Empirical Studies Regarding Teletandem Between U.S. and Taiwan Universities." Applied Linguistics and Bilinguilism, Lexington Books. Fall 2019.
• "Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute Hosting Shandong University Faculty Professional Development Program." Language and Culture Institute, Outreach and International Affairs, Virginia Tech. Jan. 2019.
• Lee, Shew-hua and Fu, I-Ping. "圖文觀念融入書法於海外華文教學之運用." Using Pictoral Representation of Chinese Calligraphy to Assist Overseas Chinese Language Teaching Chinese Calligraphy Cross-strait Cultural and Arts Education, Beijing Second Foreign Language Institute of Academic Affairs, Beijing, China. Dec. 2016.

• Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, Virginia Tech
• M.A. in Public Administration, The University of Washington
• B.A. in Social Welfare, The University of California, Berkeley

I am passionate about the arts, music and cultural expression. I enjoy capturing meaningful moments through photography and find joy in the creative process of cooking. For me, food is more than nourishment; it's a way to connect with others and share stories across cultures. My teaching and study abroad programs reflect this spirit with creativity, curiosity and hands-on engagement.