On May 7, 2026, a delegation of 38 faculty members and students from Mahasarakham University, Thailand, visited the Language Center at Taiwan Tech for a full-day academic exchange and teaching observation program. Led by four faculty administrators, the delegation comprised 20 master's and doctoral students and 13 undergraduate students. Centered on classroom observation and professional learning, the visit aimed to provide participants with insights into the Language Center's approaches and practical experience in English language teaching by immersing them directly in authentic classroom settings.

A classroom beyond borders! Nineteen Thai teachers and students Join local students for dynamic discussions and cross-cultural learning.

The morning program focused on classroom observations. The delegation was divided into groups to visit different classes and experience Taiwan Tech's English language teaching in action. Among them, 19 master's students observed “Language Applications and Professional Communication: Theory and Practice” , a graduate course taught by Prof. Yi-Hsuan Lo from the Department of Applied Foreign Languages. During the class, participants carefully observed how the instructor structured the lesson, designed interactive learning activities, and responded immediately to students' learning needs. Following the class, they had the opportunity to engage directly with the industry practitioner teaching the course, discussing the pedagogical philosophy behind the curriculum as well as its practical implementation. These exchanges further deepened their understanding of academic language applications in professional contexts.

Thai undergraduate students discuss similarities and differences in cross-national education with Taiwan Tech students.

Meanwhile, the undergraduate delegation attended two different classes: “Integrated Academic English” (the Intermediate Freshman English Module offered by the Language Center) and “Teaching English to Young Learners”, offered by the Department of Applied Foreign Languages. Although the two courses served different educational purposes, they complemented each other in showcasing Taiwan Tech's diverse English curriculum. The former emphasized English use in academic settings, while the latter focused on children's language acquisition and classroom teaching strategies. Together, they enabled the delegation to experience how Taiwan Tech designs and implements English language instruction across different educational levels and learning contexts.

At noon, the delegation joined Taiwan Tech students for a cross-cultural exchange activity. Approximately 190 participants attended the event, including international students enrolled in Mandarin courses, local students taking English courses, and the visiting Thai delegation. Coming from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, participants shared their language-learning experiences and campus life through relaxed and engaging conversations. Beyond classroom observations, the activity also allowed the delegation to experience Taiwan Tech's vibrant and international campus atmosphere.

Thai students participate in the Language Center's cross-cultural exchange activity with more than 190 Students.

In the afternoon, the delegation participated in an intensive English course organized by the Language Center. Conducted entirely in English, the course focused on practical training in spoken communication and public speaking. Within the immersive English-only environment, participants set aside reliance on their native language and communicated exclusively in English, thinking, expressing themselves, and interacting directly in the target language. Through this experience, they personally witnessed how an immersive teaching approach could quickly enhance learners' willingness to speak and strengthen their confidence in English communication. This learner-centered, immersive approach reflects one of the core philosophies that the Taiwan Tech Language Center has long promoted in English education, allowing the delegation not only to observe but also to experience its effectiveness from a learner's perspective.

Senior Fulbright Advisor Jean Linehan leads Thai and Taiwan Tech students in intensive speaking practice.

In their reflections, many delegation members commented that they greatly benefited from the workshop “Professional Communication in the Workplace”. They especially appreciated Senior Advisor Jean Linehan from the Fulbright Taiwan Foundation for Scholarly Exchange, who led the session “Moving from Talking to Real Discussion”. The workshop helped participants understand how language can be transformed into an effective tool for professional communication and significantly increased their confidence in speaking English.

Several students also emphasized that the visit represented a learning experience that “extended beyond the boundaries of the classroom”. As future teachers and professionals, they found new inspiration through exposure to different languages, educational systems, and cultural perspectives.

From classroom observations and academic exchanges to active participation in English courses, the delegation from Mahasarakham University remained fully engaged throughout the visit, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the Taiwan Tech Language Center's overall planning and implementation of English language education. Before concluding the visit, the delegation also met with Director Shao-Ting Hung of the Taiwan Tech Language Center to exchange ideas on future student exchange mechanisms and to learn more about Taiwan Tech's implementation and promotion of English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI). The discussions provided valuable references for future curriculum development and international collaboration. For many years, the Taiwan Tech Language Center has been committed to developing diverse and effective English language teaching models. Receiving recognition and interest from international partners through this visit serves as a meaningful affirmation of the Center's educational achievements and ongoing commitment to excellence.

Director Shao-Ting Hung (second from left) of the Taiwan Tech Language Center takes a group photo with the four faculty leaders from Mahasarakham University.