Learning Knows No Borders: Exchanging Cultures Through Fu Jen Catholic University’s Bilingual Companions Program

Author: Harry Chen

“Learning knows no borders” is an important concept in today’s technology-driven world. English learning and teaching have transcended traditional classroom boundaries. Fu Jen Catholic University’s “Bilingual Companions” English tutoring program provides elementary school students with opportunities to expand their horizons through digital tools twice a week. The program even bridges the international connections between Taiwanese children and students from Malaysia, which not only promotes cultural exchange and mutual understanding but also cultivates global perspectives among both Taiwanese and Malaysian students, as well as their companions. As the initiator of the program, Professor Lynn Chou stated, “ We want to change the public’s perception of English, it is not merely a subject for tests; instead, it should be a tool for students to connect with the world.”

Building upon the Ministry of Education’s “Digital Learning Enhancement Plan for Elementary and Junior High Schools,” the program aims to provide an enriched learning experience to elementary school students while sparking their interest in bilingual learning. Furthermore, the program engages students from Fu Jen Catholic University to tutor elementary and junior high school students in a one-to-many format, with ratios of up to one tutor for five students. The sessions are conducted via Google Meet and utilize interactive online platforms such as Kahoot! to adapt the thematic learning bilingually. Topics include comparisons of traditional festivals in Taiwan and Malaysia, as well as social and emotional learning. All in all, the program emphasizes the interaction between the students and their companions, encouraging students to enhance language proficiency and promote awareness of social issues, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Focusing on conversational English, lexicon building, and cultural exchange. Sessions often integrate fun activities, such as storytelling or discussions about cultural differences, to make learning engaging and enjoyable. After each session, the companions use customized tests to assess the student’s learning progress and ensure that they have fully absorbed the materials. This process can develop the college students’ ability of Differentiated Instruction and adjust their teaching based on their students’ abilities.

To provide the most comprehensive learning experience and minimize the risk of miscommunication, every Being executed for the second year, there are some worth noting achievements for the program. The feedback from the students, including the success in the English competitions in their school to the students’ increasing willingness to learn English, all prove the success of the program.

Through conversations and the interactive activities, students from both sides introduce themselves, share personal experiences, discuss cultural practices, and exchange perspectives on various topics. These interactions serve as an opportunity for the participants to take a glimpse and gain insights from each other’s backgrounds. 

Reflecting on the experience, Jamie Peng, a student from Tur Ya Kah Elementary shared, “The international connection is an unforgettable memory, and we learned a lot from the lesson. For instance, we learned how to relax when facing intense emotions, and the traditions of Malaysian festivals such as the green envelope originating from the Islamic culture in Malaysia. Similarly, Poon Zheng Hong, a student from Malaysia, also expressed positive feedback about the international connections sessions. He mentions, “I like to chat with others and share experiences with them, so this connection is a great opportunity for me to learn about cultures in Taiwan.” As a student who participated in the connection for the third time, he also shared, “This is a meaningful lesson for me, it is always interesting and engaging to interact with students from Taiwan. It is a lesson that is different from those we take in the classroom, and it broadens my horizons.”

Embodying the principle that “Learning knows no borders,” Fu Jen University encourages students to participate in the Bilingual Companions program. Through this initiative, they can apply their abilities to support young learners, build meaningful connections that extend far beyond the classroom, and promote mutual growth and cultural exchange for both tutors and students.