FLLD Strengthens International Ties Through Co-Teaching with Vietnamese Scholars

The Department of Foreign Languages and Literature (FLLD) at National Chung Cheng University (CCU) is dedicated to cultivating foreign language talents with global perspectives and strong intercultural communication skills. To enrich the international experience of both faculty and students, the Department welcomed two scholars from the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (IUH), Vietnam—Nguyen Thi Diem Thi and Le Thi Thien Phuoc—for a two-week academic exchange from April 28 to May 9. Through co-teaching and a variety of collaborative activities, the initiative aimed to foster cultural dialogue, promote knowledge exchange, and open new avenues for international academic collaboration. Department Chair Dr. Mei-Yu Tsai expressed her gratitude to Professor Der-Hwa Victoria Rau, Dean of the Office of International Affairs at CCU, for facilitating the connection and helping to establish a solid foundation for the partnership. “Since late 2024, both sides have devoted more than six months to preparation, exchanging over a hundred emails to finalize the details. With professional counsels from our faculty members Dr. Chun-Chun Yeh and Dr. Kuo-jung Chen, we successfully arranged for the Vietnamese scholars to co-teach here in Taiwan. A reciprocal visit to Vietnam is also in the works, as we aim to develop a sustainable academic exchange,” she said. This exchange marks the Department’s first implementation of a co-teaching model involving international scholars. Chair Tsai personally oversaw the coordination of course schedules, instructional planning, and hospitality logistics, carefully managing each stage to ensure a high-quality academic and cultural experience. During the planning phase, CCU faculty members Dr. Yi-ling Yang (for “English Listening and Speaking II”) and Dr. Min Yang (for “Introduction to Linguistics II”) held several online meetings with the Vietnamese scholars to discuss course design and teaching strategies. Both Nguyen and Le remarked that the collaboration not only challenged conventional teaching methods but also sparked innovative approaches to pedagogy. Students widely reported that, while learning in a multicultural environment posed challenges, it was ultimately a rewarding experience that deepened their appreciation for the importance and impact of intercultural exchange. While at CCU, the Vietnamese scholars also visited a range of classes—including “ChatGPT and Writing” by Dr. Ying-Hsueh Cheng, “Children’s Literature” by Dr. Benjamin Heal, and “Advanced English Listening and Speaking” by Dr. Mei-Fang Chang—further facilitating the exchange of ideas and teaching practices. Outside the classroom, FLLD students enthusiastically served as interpreters and campus guides, demonstrating their communication skills through natural English conversation. The Department also organized visits to cultural landmarks in Chiayi, offering the guests a firsthand experience of Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage and showcasing the many dimensions of international exchange. Chair Tsai emphasized that co-teaching with international scholars not only exposes faculty and students to diverse educational perspectives but also cultivates vital teamwork and global communication skills. Looking ahead, the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature will continue to strengthen its partnerships with higher education institutions worldwide, broadening students’ international horizons and advancing the Department’s mission of “Acting Locally, Connecting Globally.”