The Faculty of Cultural Studies, Universitas Brawijaya (FIB UB) accepted 13 students from National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), Taiwan to participate in the International Teaching Program at UB. The students who came from the teacher professional education underwent Pre-Service Teachers (PST) or teaching practice at Junior and Senior High Schools of Brawijaya Smart School (BSS) for two weeks, (18/07/2024 – 03/08/2024).
The International Teaching Program Coordinator Syariful Muttaqin, S.Pd., M.A., Ph.D said that the students consisted of prospective teachers from various fields of science, such as Mathematics, Physics, Music, Art, and Mandarin. They teach using English as the language of instruction.
“This is the second year of NSYSU students’ acceptance to do PST at UB. This year, FCS has also sent 11 students to introduce Indonesian culture and English to high school students in Taiwan,” explained Syariful.
In addition to teaching at BSS, 13 PSTs accompanied by two accompanying lecturers also held an “English Camp” by inviting junior and senior high school students in Malang. Taking place in the FCS Hall A Building, the students received thematic learning in various fields of study.
NSYSU lecturers also held a workshop on language learning for FCS students and teachers at BSS. This program is part of Taiwan’s efforts towards the target of becoming a bilingual country by 2030.
“This program is an opportunity for students to get to know the real conditions in learning in schools using English. In addition, by carrying the theme of ‘Cultural Odyssey’, this program also aims to increase intercultural awareness by introducing Indonesian culture and language to participants from Taiwan,” explained Syariful.
For two weeks, NSYSU students were accompanied by FCS students who helped teach Indonesian, learn batik, and accompany them on a cultural tour of Malang Heritage, visiting thematic villages, and several tourist destinations such as Jatim Park and the Museum Angkut.
“With this program, we hope to strengthen mutually beneficial collaboration with foreign institutions. In the future, we hope that this collaboration will continue, this program can be bigger and cover more schools in Malang,” concluded Syariful who is also UB Global Academic Engagement Team. [Irene/ UB PR/ Trans. Iir]
