Three-week university-wide festival brings English beyond the classroom and into everyday campus life

Chair Professor Jeffrey J. P. Tsai, President of Asia University, delivers remarks at the opening ceremony of the 2026 AU English Festival, encouraging students to use English confidently and connect with the world through language.

Asia University (AU) officially launched the 2026 AU English Festival on November 9 at the International Language Corridor. Under the theme “Play with English, Connect with the World,” the Festival runs through November 27 and brings together colleges and administrative units across the University for a wide range of English-learning and intercultural activities.

Chair Professor Jeffrey J. P. Tsai, President of Asia University, noted that English is more than an academic subject; it is an important tool for understanding the world, exchanging ideas, and participating in the international community. As globalization and artificial intelligence continue to reshape education and communication, he emphasized that genuine cross-cultural understanding and international collaboration still depend on professional knowledge, an open mind, and the confidence to communicate.

President Tsai also highlighted AU’s continued efforts to promote internationalization and bilingual education, particularly through English-Medium Instruction (EMI). Through EMI courses and an increasingly international learning environment, the University aims to help students use English not only to communicate, but also to learn professional knowledge, express ideas, and prepare for overseas exchange, international internships, research, and future global careers.

Chair Professor Jeffrey J. P. Tsai, President of Asia University (center), Professor Fu Chao Ming, Dean of International Affairs (first from left), Professor Jennifer Chen, Director of the Center for the Development of Language Teaching and Research and the EMI Promotion Office (second from left), and other faculty members participate in an EZ Talk session and interact with students in English through everyday-life topics.

Professor Jennifer Chen, Director of the Center for the Development of Language Teaching and Research and the EMI Promotion Office, said that the Festival is designed to bring English beyond the classroom and make it a more natural part of students’ campus experience. She encouraged students not to wait until they feel their English is “good enough” before speaking, noting that every conversation and interaction can be a step toward greater confidence.

The opening ceremony featured the launch of the English Passport Card, which encourages students to participate in Festival activities across campus. The program also included the official launch ceremony, a group photo, and visits to featured activities such as EZ Talk and Topic Talk.

Throughout the three-week Festival, students can take part in English poster and video competitions, an outdoor English music event, a Thanksgiving English picnic, language exchange activities, and other intercultural experiences.

The opening ceremony concluded with a Festival highlight tour and interactive language-learning experiences. President Tsai joined EZ Talk, led by two Filipino international student TAs, which encouraged students to use English in everyday situations and strengthen their spoken communication skills. In Topic Talk, British instructor Keith guided students through current events and contemporary topics, encouraging them to exchange ideas and express their views. At Chinese Table, Chinese-language instructor Pannie used songs to help Vietnamese students learn Chinese in a lively and engaging way. Together, these activities showcase AU’s commitment to fostering an English-rich, multilingual, and intercultural learning environment on campus.

The 2026 AU English Festival will continue through November 27, providing students with more opportunities to use English with confidence, connect with people from different cultures, and experience the spirit of "Play with English, Connect with the World."

British faculty member Keith introduces the Topic Talk activity to President Tsai and attending faculty members. The activity encourages students to discuss current events and diverse topics while practicing English communication and expressing their views.

Chinese-language instructor Pannie leads a Chinese Table activity, where students learn Chinese through songs and interactive activities while experiencing multilingual and intercultural exchange.

A student guitar club performs English songs at the opening ceremony of the 2026 AU English Festival, setting the stage for the festival.

Faculty members and students gather for a group photo at the opening ceremony of the 2026 AU English Festival, showcasing the university’s vibrant and diverse English-learning environment.