On June 26, National Chung Cheng University hosted a capacity-building workshop for part-time English Language Teaching Assistants (ELTAs) at the College of Education. The event invited both local and international experts in English education from across Taiwan to deliver sessions. Highlights included Mr. Yusuf, a foreign education advisor from Miaoli County, who shared strategies on incorporating the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the classroom, inspiring students to become aware of global issues and reflect on how they can make a difference. Prof. Judy from the Teacher Education Center at Soochow University explored the transformative power of English picture books, showing how vivid gestures, vocal expression, and thought-provoking questions can turn static words into a magical reading journey that impacts students’ lives. Last but not least, Lili, a teacher from Xinyi Elementary School in Pingtung, demonstrated how current AI trends can be harnessed to develop innovative teaching approaches, making AI a powerful tool for the classroom. This workshop aims to enrich ELTAs by equipping them to support bilingual education in Taiwan’s elementary and junior high schools by fostering engaging, locally relevant, and globally minded bilingual learning environments.

Since the 2021 academic year, National Chung Cheng University has overseen the ELTA program in Central Taiwan. Each year, it manages the recruitment, training, and school placement of international student talents across seven counties and cities: Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Nantou, Yunlin, Chiayi County, and Chiayi City. After completing in-person and online training certified by both local and international advisors, ELTAs are matched with schools by the university’s teaching center and the respective English Education Resource Centers. Working alongside local teachers, they help integrate English into subjects such as PE, reading, arts, music, science, performing arts, and so on. These part-time collaborations allow students to engage in guided conversations, Q&A practice, vocabulary enrichment, and cultural exchange—creating an immersive, English-rich environment that brings the language to life.

As of the 2024–2025 academic year, 235 elementary and junior high schools in Central Taiwan have joined the ELTA program, with a total of 191 international students placed in service. Program director Professor Cheng Sheng-Yao of National Chung Cheng University remarked, “Good grades aren’t enough. True education helps children look beyond themselves, understand the world, and develop the competencies to shape the future.” It is hoped that this workshop will ignite greater creativity and inspiration in the classroom, helping Taiwan’s youth become more confident, curious, and connected to the global community through English.