Nancy, ARI Scholar
Princeton University
Nancy is a student at Beijing No.4 High School with a strong passion for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and cross-cultural research. During high school, she undertook two ten-day field studies, first in Ethiopia, then in Kenya, to examine the local reception of Chinese enterprises’ CSR efforts.
Her research focused on how cultural integration, respecting local language, customs, and values, shapes community acceptance of foreign enterprises. By shifting from measuring CSR outcomes to examining cultural dynamics, she reframed her project around genuine engagement rather than standalone charity.
Nancy discovered that companies embracing local traditions, hiring local staff, and offering bilingual services earned far more trust than those relying solely on philanthropy. This key insight formed the centerpiece of her application, helping her secure admission to Princeton University.