The Asian Education Leader (AEL) course was an unforgettable journey across two prestigious institutions, Tohoku University and Korea University. As an international student and educator from Taiwan, I place great importance on translating theoretical knowledge into practical application within the educational field. I am grateful that the AEL course gave me the opportunities for both academic rigor and hands on field experience.

 

The English taught courses equipped me with a deeper understanding of critical topics, including Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), cross cultural communication through the lens of cognitive science, and the application of telepsychology in mental health. Thanks to the international environment at both Tohoku University and Korea University, which provided a platform to engage with global peers, I was able to foster dialogues on educational practices across various cultures and share the Taiwanese experience of glocalizing education. Furthermore, visiting schools and multicultural centers in Japan and Korea offered me first-hand experience in observing how these countries navigate educational challenges and cultural diversity.

 

The insights I now carry with me have substantially shaped my perspective and approach to education. With the ongoing global expansion of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), I am seeing a growing number of students returning to Taiwan from various international backgrounds. These insights have allowed me to better empathize with the lived experiences of my Japanese and Korean students, as well as those navigating the transition back to Taiwan. As a counselor in an international school, having a nuanced understanding of East Asian educational landscapes is truly valuable to my practice.

 

Moving forward, I aim to further leverage the knowledge and findings I have gained from the AEL course to enhance my support for students. By integrating the values of ESD to foster social responsibility, applying cognitive science to bridge cross-cultural communication gaps, and utilizing telepsychology to provide accessible and culturally sensitive mental health support, I hope to create an inclusive and sustainable learning environment that empowers my students to grow into resilient global citizens.

 

As an AEL alumnus, I would highly recommend this program to students and educators interested in the glocalization of education and in shaping the future of education in Asia. This course is not merely an academic pursuit but a meaningful experience that bridges the gap between theory and the real world challenges of today’s interconnected world.