Dr. Fang Wang is a professor of finance at CWU’s Lynnwood campus, having worked for CWU since 2007. Wang grew up in Nanjing (南京), China.
“I was born and grew up in Nanjing, China. Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu Province and has a rich history that spans over 2,500 years,” Wang said. “Nanjing is also a vibrant educational and economic hub, and home to several prestigious universities and a growing technology sector. It has beautiful landscapes with a unique blend of modernity and tradition. I love my hometown and I lived there until I moved to the U.S. when I was 25 years old.”
Growing up in Nanjing was pleasant and surrounded by family for Wang, “My childhood was joyful and carefree. Although I’m an only child, I grew up alongside my cousins since both my father’s and mother’s extended families lived in the same city. We shared many adventures in summer and winter breaks, celebrating traditional holidays like Chinese New Year, and Mid-Autumn Festival that were meaningful in our culture,” Wang said. “Like many Asian parents, my parents had high expectations for my academic performance, but they also nurtured my curiosity and gave me the freedom to explore my interests.” In her youth, Wang was encouraged to travel and participate in extracurriculars such as music art and music.
Wang earned her bachelor’s degree in finance at Southeast University (东南大学) in Nanjing. “After graduating from college, I spent three years working as a financial analyst during China’s rapid growth period. As a young adult, I was eager to explore the world beyond my home country and pursue graduate studies in my field. These experiences shaped my values and aspirations, motivating me to seek opportunities abroad.”
Wang moved to the United States in 2001 to pursue her master in applied economics at Eastern Carolina University. “I was interested in exploring graduate study in the Western world because many foundation knowledge and theories I learned in my undergraduate study are from the West,” Wang said. “Upon arriving, like many international students, I encountered challenges such as cultural shocks, language barriers, and the need to find community support. At that time, our small Chinese student community was a vital source of support, helping with everyday tasks like grocery shopping. The faculty and friends at the university were incredibly kind and offered significant assistance. We were welcomed into American homes for Thanksgiving dinner and other events, which deepened our understanding of U.S. culture.”
After finishing her masters, Wang moved to West Virginia where she earned her PhD in financial economics at West Virginia University. Wang then moved to the west coast, and has worked for CWU Lynnwood location since 2007.
Coming from China, Wang spoke on the differences between the two countries, “Both China and the U.S. are vast countries with significant regional variations,” Wang said. “The Chinese population is less diverse than that of the U.S. In the U.S., particularly along the coasts and in universities, there is a rich tapestry of diversity, with individuals from various countries and regions speaking different languages and representing a wide array of cultures. Additionally, most Chinese cities are densely populated, whereas in the U.S., population density is lower outside major cities like New York and Los Angeles.”
Along with environmental differences, and the difference in weather and history, there were social differences that Wang noticed as well, “In the U.S., social interactions seem to be generally more informal, and hierarchy and authority do not play a big role in school or at work. In China, interactions can be more formal, especially with seniors or authority figures.” There was also the way that individualism is emphasized in the US, whereas Wang says that in China, collectivism is more valued.
“My experience as an immigrant in the U.S. has been smooth and pleasant,” Wang said. “I came here to pursue graduate studies with a scholarship and a teaching assistantship, which have allowed me to be financially independent and sustainable. My Master’s and Ph.D. advisors have been incredibly kind and supportive, providing me with valuable guidance both academically and personally. My classmates come from diverse backgrounds, representing various countries around the world, and they are open-minded, intelligent, and friendly. My colleagues at the College of Business are hardworking, creative, and inspiring, and I’ve learned a great deal from many of them. The Seattle region is rapidly growing and has a vibrant immigrant population, creating a wonderful blend of cultures.”
“The U.S. is a nation of immigrants, and each person brings diverse perspectives and skills that enrich the community—whether through cultural festivals, culinary diversity, or innovations in various fields. The strength of the U.S. comes from its openness, which creates numerous opportunities for talented individuals who are willing to work hard,” Wang said. “I believe it’s essential for people to engage with immigrant communities, attend cultural events, or simply have conversations to learn about our experiences. By sharing our stories and listening to one another, we can forge stronger connections and support each other.”
