Chiang Mai University Hosts NTNU for Teaching Exchange
Professor Huichen S. Hsiao led 15 graduate students to Chiang Mai University (CMU) on August 25 for a seven-day visit to enhance the Chinese language teaching skills of NTNU's Department of Chinese as a Second Language students and to gain insights into language education in Thailand. During the visit, the group observed classroom teaching and participated in cultural exchanges. They were warmly welcomed at CMU by Asst. Prof. Dr. Pasoot Lasuka, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, and Dr. Chen Mingjie, Head of the Department of Chinese, reflecting the strong relationship between the two institutions.
The itinerary was arranged by NTNU alumna and current Chiang Mai University lecturer, Ms. Lin Mingming. The program included discussions with the Associate Dean, experience-sharing with faculty members, and Chinese language trial teaching sessions.
Located in northern Thailand, CMU is the region's first higher education institution and the country's first provincial university. Since becoming sister schools in 2003, the two universities have maintained an active student exchange program. Professor Hsiao noted that planning for this trip began at the end of last year, with eight trial teaching sessions arranged for NTNU students. Additionally, two seminars were organized to facilitate interaction with faculty from CMU's Department of Chinese, enhancing the students' teaching skills.
'We welcome students from NTNU's Department of Chinese as a Second Language to CMU for both learning and employment opportunities, and we are ready to provide any necessary support. We hope to establish a strong cooperative relationship with Taiwan's Ministry of Education in the future, further deepening collaboration and exchanges between our two universities,' said Associate Dean Dr. Pasoot Lasuka. In response, Professor Hsiao also extended a welcome to CMU students to study at NTNU. This year, NTNU's College of International Studies and Social Sciences launched a new EMI undergraduate program in Global Studies that aims to cultivate students with a comprehensive understanding of Taiwan, Asian culture, global perspectives, and cross-cultural communication.
NTNU's Graduate Institute of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language has also developed a series of Taiwan culture-related courses for CMU, covering topics such as Taiwan's traditional Ghost Festival, local snacks, and gender diversity issues. Students Yu Ting-An, Tseng Hsiao-Lun, and Liao Chun-Ying said, 'We not only improved our teaching skills but also learned to adapt when the internet was unstable. Plus, we got to learn more about Thai culture through our interactions with the students and teachers, which helped us build mutual understanding and strengthen relationships.'
Hsu Ming-wei, a student from the Graduate Institute, shared, 'The Thai students were quite intrigued when we introduced Taiwan's blood pudding. While pig blood is used in Thai cuisine, the idea of rice-based blood pudding was new to them. It was fascinating to see how different regions use ingredients in their own unique ways. In turn, the Thai students eagerly suggested we try Thai milk tea and various fruit juices, showing how language can truly serve as a bridge for cultural exchange.'
Professor Hsiao thanked the NTNU Office of International Affairs for their support in making the visit a great success. 'This visit has not only strengthened our teaching partnership with Chiang Mai University but also provided our students with valuable insights into the unique aspects and current state of Chinese language courses in Thailand,' she said. 'Our goal moving forward is to design courses tailored to Thai students.' The Department of Chinese as a Second Language plans to continue building on this collaboration with Chiang Mai University, aiming to deepen joint research and foster mutual benefits to cultivate more internationally-minded talent.