Newark School of Global Studies Rising Senior Tatiana Cintron Continues Language Learning Journey Through International Study Program
NEWARK, N.J. – This summer, Newark School of Global Studies rising senior Tatiana Cintron will travel more than 7,700 miles from Newark to Taipei, Taiwan, where she will spend a month immersed in Mandarin Chinese language and culture through a prestigious study abroad program.
Cintron was selected to participate in a program offered by the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), earning both the Global Navigator Scholarship and the Globetrotter Scholarship.
Beginning July 3rd, Cintron will live with a host family in Taipei while studying Mandarin at National Taiwan Normal University. Her daily schedule will include three hours of language instruction, community speaking experiences with local residents, cultural excursions, and opportunities to explore the city alongside fellow students.
For Cintron, the opportunity is the latest step in a language-learning journey that began years ago through Newark School of Global Studies’ Chinese language pathway.
“I was looking up study abroad opportunities because I wanted to find a way to further immerse myself in the language,” said Cintron. “I’m excited to learn, and I think my experiences studying Mandarin have prepared me to spend a whole day speaking Chinese and following traditional customs.”
Cintron has already distinguished herself as one of the Newark School of Global Studies’ most dedicated Mandarin students. She attended Concordia Language Villages’ Chinese immersion camp in Minnesota during both her freshman and sophomore years through a Newark Public Schools summer enrichment program. Earlier this year, she also traveled to mainland China as part of the school's international educational experiences.
“Tatiana has consistently sought opportunities to deepen her understanding of the Chinese language and culture,” said Principal Nelson Ruiz of the Newark School of Global Studies. “Whether in the classroom, at language immersion camp, or during our recent educational trip to China, she has demonstrated an extraordinary curiosity about history, culture, and global citizenship. We are incredibly proud to see her earn this opportunity and represent Newark Public Schools on an international stage.”
In addition to her academic accomplishments, Cintron will serve as president of her school’s Model United Nations team next school year after previously serving as treasurer. She is also a member of the Chinese National Honor Society and Chinese Club. Earlier this year, she received the Youth Leadership Award from the New Jersey Chinese Teachers Association.
Superintendent León said Cintron’s achievements reflect the district’s commitment to preparing students for success in an increasingly interconnected world.
“Tatiana’s success is a testament to her initiative, determination, and passion for learning,” Superintendent León said. “She embraced every opportunity available to her through Newark Public Schools’ language programs and then went a step further by seeking out additional opportunities on her own. Her accomplishments demonstrate the transformative power of global education and language immersion.”
Board of Education President Hasani K. Council praised Cintron for serving as an example of what students can achieve when they pursue their interests with purpose.
“Tatiana has shown remarkable leadership and commitment to expanding her horizons,” Board President Council said. “Her willingness to challenge herself, embrace new cultures, and pursue fluency in another language embodies the qualities we hope to inspire in all Newark Public Schools students. We congratulate her on this well-deserved opportunity.”
Cintron, who plans to study international relations in college and hopes to pursue a career in archaeology, said she looks forward to strengthening her language skills while experiencing daily life in Taiwan.