The Great Handover: Taiwanese Teachers & a Side of Fruit Tea!
On a rather cheerful Saturday afternoon in Houston, the buzz was palpable at the Overseas Chinese Education Center, where the Taiwanese Teachers of America (TTAA) threw their second “President Handover & Annual Member Meeting”. Packing the 203 conference room with more dignitaries than you’d find in a royal banquet, it was quite the sight! The guest list was impressive, featuring key players like Director Wang Yingrong and the ever-so-eloquent Professor Ye Yaoyuan. Not to mention, some dedicated members even joined the festivities online, proving that Zoom parties are almost as enjoyable as the real deal—minus the awkward small talk about the weather.
Mixing Ceremony with Snacks
The master of ceremonies, Lai Beiyu, had the task of juggling introductions while making it look as easy as pie. If pie had strategically placed guest speakers and a handover ceremony, that is. A special shout-out was given to founding president Liang Zhenyun, whose contributions to the association have been so profound, they could probably fill an entire library, or at the very least, a moderately-sized bookshelf?
The event wasn’t just a parade of accolades; it was also about transitions. Enter new president Wang Xingyun, who not only had to step into Liang’s hefty boots but also had the ambitious task of promising an influx of more educators into the TTAA. His speech hit all the right notes, like a catchy pop song that you can’t help but hum along to—we’re talking future pop hits, folks!
Thank You for the Fruit Tea and Organizational Wizards!
What’s a handover without some refreshments? Wang Yingrong made sure attendees didn’t just get their brain food from the speeches but also from the delicious fruit tea and snacks provided by the teaching team of the Scripture Office. Yes, fruit tea! This isn’t your average beverage; it’s like having a spa day for your taste buds while you ponder the intricacies of bilingual education. Talk about a refreshing combo!
Behind the Scenes: Educational Ambassadors of Taiwan
As the afternoon unfolded, various initiatives were unveiled. Wang Yingrong introduced a plethora of programs—think of them as the Swiss Army knife of educational initiatives that aim to bolster Chinese language teaching and cultural exchange. From volunteer opportunities in Taiwan that could make any college résumé sparkle, to discounted trips for overseas Chinese schools, it’s clear the TTAA is not just about academia; they’re about action!
Yang Shuya dazzlingly articulated Taiwan’s plans for bilingual education and intercultural exchanges. With scholarship programs sounding more appealing than a winning lottery ticket, it seems onlookers are likely to line up for a chance to study in the beautiful land of bubble tea and night markets. Don’t forget, cooperating with American schools is in vogue—who wouldn’t want a cross-cultural exchange where ‘math’ becomes ‘x=why?’ in two languages instead of one? Fun times!
Building Bridges, One Language Class at a Time
And then Ye Yaoyuan took the stage, launching into a captivating account of the TTAA’s achievements. Who knew that mixing beads of wisdom with a generous dose of innovation could yield a summer camp program sending students back to Taiwan? The possibilities were endless: “Hey, kids! How about some real-life language practice while doing a tai chi lesson on the beach?” Sounds enticing, doesn’t it? Potentially life-altering! One can already hear the parents pondering, “Taiwan or Tame Impala on loop?”
Conclusion: The Future of Taiwanese Education Abroad
So, what can we take away from this enlightening gathering? Well, in the melodic words of the TTAA, it’s about forging connections, enhancing educational experiences, and, above all, having a good laugh over tea and snacks. You see, while the world may be laden with challenges, the Taiwanese Teachers of America are stepping up—prepared, polished, and yes, perhaps slightly caffeinated—to make waves in the educational arena. Next stop? Probably a classroom near you, effectively blending cultural teachings with a dash of humor that even Gervais would raise his eyebrow to.
Stay tuned, folks! The Taiwanese educational wave has only just begun, and as always, they’re prepared to feature a side of witty repartee.
[TheEpochTimesNovember192024](Reported by Epoch Times reporter Lu Xi Houston) On Saturday, November 16, at 2 pm, the Taiwanese Teachers of America (TTAA) convened for their second “President Handover & Annual Member Meeting” in the notable 203 conference room of the Houston Overseas Chinese Education Center. Esteemed attendees included Director Wang Yingrong from the Overseas Chinese Education Center, Yang Yashu, head of the Education Group of the Classical Literature Office, and Professor Ye Yaoyuan from St. Thomas University, all of whom contributed as keynote speakers. The meeting also saw the presence of Huang Yili, Deputy Director of the Overseas Chinese Education Center, along with committee members Liu Xiumei and Chen Yiling, and Wang Dunzheng, Chairman of the E&M Foundation. A number of Taiwanese teachers participated in-person, while others connected online to ensure wide engagement.
On behalf of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Council, Wang Yingrong issued a certificate of thanks to Liang Zhenyun (right). (Lu Xi/The Epoch Times)
The event was skillfully hosted by Lai Beiyu, who took the opportunity to formally introduce distinguished guests and association members and expressed profound gratitude to the founding president, Liang Zhenyun, for her invaluable contributions to the association. Beyond the ceremonial handover of leadership to the newly appointed president, Wang Xingyun, the program included an informative segment featuring three guest speakers. In attendance was also the Overseas Chinese Affairs Council, which generously provided teaching aids and thoughtful souvenirs for the participants. Additionally, the teaching and education team from the Scripture Office prepared a delightful assortment of fruit tea and snacks, adding to the warm atmosphere of the event.
Liang Zhenyun acknowledged the collaborative support from figures such as Wang Yingrong and Yang Shuya since the inception of the association. Their efforts have been instrumental in organizing both online and physical activities aimed at promoting Taiwanese culture and fostering international collaboration in Chinese education. This has significantly enhanced exchanges and cooperation among educators in the southern United States, while also improving the professional capabilities of teachers. Liang extended a warm welcome to the new president Wang Xingyun and vice president Wang Lijun, sparking enthusiasm for their leadership. In his address, Wang Xingyun expressed heartfelt appreciation for the foundational role of the outgoing president and vice president and emphasized the importance of attracting more educators to join the association in order to amplify its influence throughout the southern United States.
(Left to right) Lai Beiyu, Liang Zhenyun, Wang Xingyun, and Wang Lijun took a group photo at the handover of the old and new presidents. (Lu Xi/The Epoch Times)
Wang Yingrong elaborated on the Overseas Chinese Affairs Council’s cultural tour and English service camp that offers students meaningful opportunities to teach English in Taiwan while earning volunteer hours. The International Study Partner Program encourages overseas Chinese schools to forge connections with primary and secondary institutions in Taiwan to facilitate language exchanges. Additionally, there are plans to subsidize overseas Chinese schools or organizations for group study trips to Taiwan, covering group fees and airfares to ensure accessibility. Moreover, it was highlighted that nine Chinese language learning centers have been established to promote teaching for adults, alongside efforts to advance traditional Chinese language education through overseas Chinese schools and societal collaborations.
(Left to right) Liang Zhenyun, Wang Dunzheng, and Yang Shuya attended the meeting. (Lu Xi/The Epoch Times)
yang Shuya provided insights into the collaborative initiatives between Taiwan and the United States regarding bilingual and Chinese education. This includes overseas study tour groups designed to immerse students in language learning experiences, emphasizing Taiwan’s commitment to providing scholarships as an incentive for international participation. The Excellent Chinese Language Program has garnered involvement from numerous universities across both the United States and Taiwan, backed by full scholarships and living expense support to make education in Taiwan more accessible to foreign students.
Regarding Taiwan’s educational diversity and international cooperation, Yang Shuya pointed out that schools in Taiwan each showcase unique specializations, such as marine research and crafts, and urged educational institutions to cultivate their distinct characteristics. The feasibility of partnerships between Taiwanese and American schools was emphasized, highlighting the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation. The English Teaching Assistant Program also offers scholarship support to attract foreign students to teach in Taiwan, thus enriching the educational experience for all involved.
Ye Yaoyuan (left) and Chen Yiling attended the meeting. (Lu Xi/The Epoch Times)
Situation of the TTAA meeting of Taiwanese American teachers. (Lu Xi/The Epoch Times)
Ye Yaoyuan showcased the activities and achievements of the Chinese Language Center at St. Thomas University, detailing the collaborative efforts in promoting Chinese education and activities organized by the TTAA. Since its establishment two years ago, the association has successfully partnered with universities to launch various initiatives, including innovative AI teaching methods, extensive learning programs, and further training opportunities for educators in the southern United States. Plans for a summer camp are underway, aiming to send high school students back to Taiwan for immersive experiences in Chinese language education, with a comprehensive plan expected to be ready by early next year. Additionally, there are ambitious plans to extend Chinese training opportunities to various government agencies, including the FBI, fire departments, and medical institutions, further expanding the initiative’s reach.
Editor in charge: Wang Zi
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A Promising Horizon
The gathering concluded on a note of optimism and collaboration. The presence of so many dedicated educators and enthusiastic participants underscored a shared vision: to deepen the understanding of Taiwanese culture and language through innovative educational initiatives. The TTAA’s commitment to fostering educational excellence and cross-cultural dialogue lays a solid foundation for a future where language and culture transcend geographic boundaries.
In light of this, it’s evident that the TTAA is not just at the forefront of promoting Chinese language education, but also acting as a cultural bridge between Taiwan and the United States. With a promising array of programs and a newly invigorated leadership, the organization is well-prepared to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
As we look forward to the coming year, one can only anticipate the exciting developments that will unfold—from the summer camp language practice to the vibrant cultural exchanges that await eager students on both sides of the Pacific. The Taiwanese Teachers of America are ready to lead the charge, blending education, culture, and a touch of humor into an enriching experience for all involved.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories as the TTAA continues to cultivate connections and foster vibrant cross-cultural educational experiences, proving that learning and laughter truly go hand in hand.