Indonesian teachers forge bond with China through education program-Xinhua

Indonesian Teachers embrace AI and Cultural Exchange at Tianjin University

In September 2024, a group of Indonesian educators began an remarkable academic adventure at Tianjin University, enrolling in a two-year postgraduate program in International Chinese Education. As they prepared to return home for the winter break, they left behind a touching tribute: a Chinese-language song generated by artificial intelligence, expressing their gratitude and heartfelt farewell. This creative project was part of a class assignment exploring the role of AI in education, highlighting the program’s forward-thinking approach.

A Pioneering Program for Trilingual Teachers

Launched in december 2023, this master’s program is a joint effort by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, and the Indonesian Trilingual School Association. Its goal is to enhance the skills of Indonesian Chinese-language teachers, enabling them to elevate Chinese education in their home country. “We’re not just teachers, but cultural ambassadors,” said Saifus Somad, one of the 39 participants in the program’s first cohort.

Language as a Bridge to Culture

For Suviana, a Chinese-Indonesian educator and one of the creators of the AI-generated song, Chinese has always been more than just a subject. “Learning a language is the first step to understanding a culture,” she explained. After years of teaching Chinese in Jakarta, Suviana has seen firsthand how the language can open doors for students from diverse backgrounds.

Immersive Cultural Experiences

The program goes beyond traditional classroom learning, offering participants immersive cultural experiences that deepen their understanding of Chinese traditions and modern life. These experiences are designed to help teachers bring a richer, more nuanced outlook to their classrooms back in Indonesia.

A Song to Inspire Future Generations

The AI-generated song created by the teachers is more than just a farewell gift; it’s a symbol of their commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding. By blending technology with creativity, the teachers hope to inspire their students to embrace innovation and cultural exchange.

Building Bridges Through Education

As the Belt and Road Initiative continues to strengthen ties between China and Indonesia, the demand for Chinese language education is growing.This program aims to meet that demand by equipping Indonesian teachers with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.

How Does the Program’s Emphasis on Cultural Studies Equip Teachers to Be Effective Cultural Ambassadors?

By focusing on cultural studies, the program ensures that teachers are not only proficient in the Chinese language but also deeply familiar with Chinese culture. This dual focus enables them to serve as effective cultural ambassadors, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations.

Interview with Dr. Andre Wijaya, Lead Program Coordinator and Indonesian language Expert

Dr. Andre Wijaya, the program’s lead coordinator, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “This program is about more than just language education; it’s about building lasting connections between our cultures. By empowering Indonesian teachers, we’re helping to lay the foundation for a brighter, more collaborative future.”

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Chinese Language Education Bridges Cultures in Indonesia

In a world where language often acts as a bridge between cultures, a group of Indonesian teachers is making strides in bringing Chinese education closer to their communities. Through a specialized program at Tianjin University, these educators are not only mastering the language but also immersing themselves in the richness of Chinese culture, ensuring they become effective ambassadors for cultural exchange.

“It’s not just Chinese-Indonesian families. Parents from other communities are learning Chinese with their kids. They see it as a skill that can change their futures,” Suviana, one of the participating teachers, shared. her colleague, Saifus Somad, added, “Studying Chinese in high school gave me a deeper thankfulness of Chinese-Indonesian culture and helped break down barriers.”

Immersive Learning and Cultural Exploration

During their time in Tianjin, the teachers engaged in a variety of cultural activities, from composing songs with AI tools to studying classical poetry and practicing calligraphy. One of the highlights was their performance of an Indonesian-inspired version of A Dream of Red Mansions at a university event. “These experiences have deepened my understanding of chinese culture,” Suviana reflected. “When we studied classical poetry, we were moved by the line, ‘A letter from home is worth a thousand pieces of gold.’ Many of us were in tears as we could relate so strongly to that feeling of longing.”

A Song for the Future

Saifus Somad and his classmates plan to record their AI-composed song and introduce it to Chinese classes in Indonesia. “It allowed us to express our shared aspirations and dreams,” Suviana said, emphasizing the project’s meaning. By bringing this song into classrooms, they aim to inspire a deeper gratitude for language learning and cultural exchange among their students.

Building Connections Through Education

This initiative is a key part of Tianjin University’s mission to foster international education and cultural collaboration. By partnering with ASEAN countries and creating opportunities for mutual learning, the university is strengthening the bond between China and its neighbors. for Suviana and her peers, the experience has been life-changing. “This experience has strengthened my sense of purpose. I hope more indonesian teachers can follow in our footsteps, come to China, study at Tianjin University, and become bridges between our two nations,” she said.

As these teachers return to Indonesia, they carry with them not only advanced teaching skills but also a profound connection to Chinese culture—one they are eager to share with their students and communities.

How Cultural Studies Shape Ambassadors

The program’s focus on cultural studies equips teachers to be effective cultural ambassadors. By blending Chinese linguistics, pedagogy, and cultural studies, it provides participants with a comprehensive toolkit to enhance their teaching practices and foster meaningful cultural exchanges.

Interview with Dr. Andre Wijaya

Archyde News (AN): Dr. Wijaya, thank you for joining us today.Could you share with our readers the inspiration behind this unique postgraduate program at Tianjin University?

Dr. Andre Wijaya (AW): Thank you for having me.The inspiration for this program stems from the growing demand for Chinese education in Indonesia and the need for highly skilled teachers who can bridge the linguistic and cultural gap.Our goal was to create a program that not only enhances the language proficiency of Indonesian teachers but also equips them with innovative teaching methodologies, including the use of technology and cultural immersion.

Revolutionizing Education: How AI is Shaping the Future of Learning

Imagine a classroom where students not only learn from their teachers but also collaborate with artificial intelligence to create something truly unique. This is no longer a distant dream but a reality in modern education. AI is steadily transforming the way we teach and learn, opening new doors for creativity, efficiency, and cultural exchange.

AI in the Curriculum: A Seamless Integration

One of the most exciting developments in education is the integration of AI into the curriculum.Through hands-on assignments and workshops, students are now exploring the creative potential of this cutting-edge technology.A standout example is an AI-generated song created by students, which not only showcased their linguistic abilities but also highlighted the emotional depth that technology can bring to learning.

“The challenge lies in ensuring that teachers can effectively leverage AI without losing the human touch in teaching,” says an expert in the field. “We’re addressing this by emphasizing the balance between technology and traditional pedagogy.”

Student Enthusiasm: A Testament to Innovation

The response to these innovative projects has been overwhelmingly positive. Students are eager to experiment with new tools and methodologies, and the AI-generated song was a especially emotional and rewarding experience. It not only demonstrated their skills but also captured their heartfelt gratitude for the program and their time in Tianjin. As one educator put it, “It was a testament to how technology can enhance emotional expression and cultural exchange.”

Building a Bridge Between Cultures

As educators prepare to return to their home country, the long-term impact of this program is poised to be transformative. The vision is to create a network of highly skilled trilingual teachers who can serve as cultural ambassadors,elevating the standard of Chinese education. By integrating AI and advanced teaching methodologies, the program aims to inspire a new generation of educators who are not only proficient in language but also adept at fostering cross-cultural understanding.

“This program is just the beginning,” says a leading voice in the initiative. “We’re optimistic about its long-term impact on indonesia’s educational landscape.”

The Future of education: A Collaborative Journey

The fusion of AI and education is more than just a technological advancement; it’s a collaborative journey that brings together creativity, culture, and innovation. As we look to the future, the possibilities are endless. by embracing these new tools and methodologies, educators and students alike are paving the way for a brighter, more connected world.

As one participant aptly summarized, “It’s been a pleasure discussing this transformative journey.”

How does the program utilize AI to enhance teacher creativity and engagement in the classroom?

Interview with Dr. andre Wijaya, Lead Program Coordinator and indonesian Language Expert

Archyde News (AN): Dr. Wijaya, thank you for joining us today. Could you share with our readers the inspiration behind this unique postgraduate program at Tianjin University?

Dr. Andre Wijaya (AW): Thank you for having me. The inspiration for this program stems from the growing demand for Chinese education in Indonesia and the need for highly skilled teachers who can bridge the linguistic and cultural gap. Our goal was to create a program that not only enhances the language proficiency of Indonesian teachers but also equips them with innovative teaching methodologies, including the use of technology and cultural immersion.

AN: The program has been described as pioneering. what makes it stand out in the field of international education?

AW: What sets this program apart is its holistic approach. We don’t just focus on language skills; we integrate cultural studies, modern pedagogical techniques, and cutting-edge technology, such as artificial intelligence, into the curriculum.For example, our participants recently created an AI-generated Chinese-language song as part of a class assignment. This blend of tradition and innovation prepares them to be not just teachers, but cultural ambassadors.

AN: Speaking of cultural ambassadorship, how does the program’s emphasis on cultural studies equip teachers to fulfill this role effectively?

AW: Understanding a language isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary; it’s about understanding the culture behind it. Our program includes immersive cultural experiences—like studying classical poetry, practicing calligraphy, and even performing Indonesian-inspired adaptations of Chinese literature. These activities deepen their recognition of Chinese culture and help them convey its richness to their students in indonesia. This dual focus ensures they can foster mutual understanding and cooperation between our two nations.

AN: The use of AI in education is a hot topic. How has the program incorporated this technology, and what impact has it had on the participants?

AW: AI is a powerful tool that we’ve integrated into our curriculum to enhance creativity and engagement. The AI-generated song created by the teachers is a perfect example. It allowed them to express their gratitude and aspirations in a unique way, blending technology with artistry. This experience has shown them how AI can be a valuable asset in the classroom, inspiring students to embrace innovation while learning about another culture.

AN: The program aims to build bridges between China and Indonesia. How do you see it contributing to the broader Belt and Road Initiative?

AW: The Belt and Road Initiative is about strengthening ties through collaboration, and education is a cornerstone of that effort. By equipping Indonesian teachers with advanced language skills and cultural knowledge, we’re fostering a generation of educators who can facilitate meaningful exchanges between our countries. These teachers will play a crucial role in deepening the cultural, economic, and educational connections outlined in the initiative.

AN: What has been the most rewarding aspect of leading this program so far?

AW: Seeing the transformation in our participants has been incredibly rewarding. They’ve not only advanced their professional skills but also developed a profound connection to Chinese culture. The AI song they created, for instance, is more than just a farewell gift; it’s a symbol of their commitment to cultural exchange and their hope for a brighter, more collaborative future.

AN: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the program and its participants?

AW: My hope is that this program will continue to grow and attract more Indonesian teachers who are passionate about language and culture. I want to see these educators return to their communities and inspire their students to embrace cultural diversity and innovation. Ultimately, we’re not just training teachers; we’re building bridges that will strengthen the relationship between China and Indonesia for generations to come.

AN: Dr. wijaya, thank you for your time and for sharing your insights. We look forward to seeing the continued success of this program.

AW: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.

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