On March 20, the International College of Innovation (ICI) at National Chengchi University (NCCU) hosted an open forum on English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) Teachers and Teaching Assistants. The event featured Dr. Xiaoyan Li, Associate Professor at Kyushu University’s School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation, who provided insights into the relationship between language, culture, and interdisciplinary education. Drawing from her research on intercultural communication in Japan and strategies for multicultural teaching, Dr. Li’s lecture resonated with both faculty and students. The discussion explored ways to foster meaningful engagement between local and international students through curriculum design, extracurricular activities, and practical educational approaches.
The event was introduced by Dr. Hung-Ying Chen from ICI, who highlighted the striking similarities between Kyushu University’s School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation and ICI in terms of academic structure, educational philosophy, and student recruitment. “With our shared commitment to bilingual education and interdisciplinary learning, we hope this forum marks the beginning of further collaborations between our institutions,” said Dr. Chen.
Dr. Li began by outlining the unique model of Kyushu University’s School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation, which integrates university-wide resources to break down traditional academic silos between humanities, social sciences, and STEM disciplines. The school emphasizes Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Team-Based Learning (TBL), while also requiring students to complete a semester abroad in their third or fourth year. She then delved into her recent research, focusing on how differences in sensitivity to intercultural discourse and tacit knowledge affect foreigners’ ability to integrate into Japanese society.
“Language defines the boundaries of our world,” Dr. Li stated, emphasizing that language not only shapes the way we express ideas but also influences thought processes and cross-cultural collaboration. She provided an example from her classroom discussions at Kyushu University, where students examined the cultural nuances behind expressions of love in Japanese—such as the distinction between aishiteru (愛してる) and suki (好き). Such linguistic subtleties, she argued, highlight the importance of understanding implicit and explicit communication in cross-cultural interactions. She further noted that effective intercultural communication goes beyond mastering vocabulary and grammar, extending into cultural comprehension, such as the use of Japanese onomatopoeia, differences in expressing affection, the subtleties of politeness, and contrasting perceptions of sincerity in social interactions.
The discussion segment of the event saw a lively exchange between faculty and students. Dr. Fan Xia from the Department of Southeast Asian Studies shared observations on how international students navigate cultural adaptation in Japanese language schools. International students spoke about the difficulties of forming friendships with Taiwanese peers, while Taiwanese students discussed the challenges of organizing cross-cultural exchange events and the ways study-abroad experiences reshape their linguistic and cultural identities. Dr. Li also shared examples from Kyushu University, where non-academic activities such as movie nights and sports clubs have been instrumental in fostering engagement between local and international students. She emphasized that the school places great importance on overseas exchange programs, with returning students often demonstrating enhanced intercultural communication skills, making them highly sought after in the job market.
The event underscored a key takeaway: language is more than a tool for communication—it serves as a bridge for cultural understanding, cross-cultural exchange, and international cooperation. Building on the momentum of the discussion, participating faculty members expressed keen interest in deepening NCCU’s collaboration with Kyushu University’s School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation, aiming to create more diverse learning opportunities and broaden students’ global perspectives.
Associate Professor Xiaoyan Li explored the dynamic interplay between language, culture, and interdisciplinary education during her lecture. (Photo credit: ICI)
The session was moderated by Dr. Hung-Ying Chen from the International College of Innovation, who introduced Kyushu University’s School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation and pointed out its similarities with ICI in terms of curriculum design, educational philosophy, and recruitment strategies—describing it as a “sister college.”(Photo credit: ICI)
Associate Professor Xiaoyan Li explored the dynamic interplay between language, culture, and interdisciplinary education during her lecture. (Photo credit: ICI)
During the discussion session, students actively participated and shared their thoughts.(Photo credit: ICI)
Dr. Fan Xia from the Department of Southeast Asian Studies shared insights on how international students adapt culturally at Japanese language schools. (Photo credit: ICI)
Associate Professor Xiaoyan Li (center) poses for a group photo with Assistant Professor Hung-Ying Chen from the International College of Innovation (fourth from the left), Assistant Professor Xia Fan from the Department of Southeast Asian Studies (second from the left), and participating students. (Photo credit: ICI)
