Fulbright ETAs, Fulbright Student Researchers, and AMINEF administrators at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial in Taipei, Taiwan for the East Asia Pacific Regional Workshop.

During the Fulbright ETA Mid-Year Enrichment Conference held in January, Fulbright ETAs were surprised to learn that they had the option of joining a Fulbright East Asia Pacific (EAP) Workshop in Taiwan. All 22 ETAs jumped at the opportunity to participate in the workshop held from March 9-12.

As a group, the ETAs along with two Fulbright U.S. Senior Scholars and two Fulbright U.S. Student researchers, traveled to Taipei to participate in four days of workshop activities. The workshop was attended by about 300 grantees across the East Asia Pacific region. The workshop marked the first of its kind in the region.

On the first day of the workshop, grantees had a welcome dinner and learned more about what the workshop would entail. They were also treated to cultural performances and watched videos that served as introductions to each country represented at the conference. The ETAs in Indonesia created a video that showcased a snapshot of their experiences in Indonesia. This included videos of their students dancing, modes of transportation, rainy season weather turning streets into rivers, the biodiversity of Indonesia, and of course delicious cuisine.

Sharing best practices was the main activity of the workshop. ETAs attended panel discusses related to cultural diversity, challenges and successes, well-being, and teaching. Some of the Indonesia ETAs facilitated groups to discuss these matters and all ETAs were active participants. The senior scholars and researchers presented their research during the workshop and were able to connect with researchers around the region.

The final day of the workshop focused on grantee’s post-Fulbright plans as well as the Taiwan-U.S. relationship. ETAs heard from the Director of the American Institute in Taiwan about the 40th Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. Additionally, a highlight of the conference was a special session with a highly distinguished guest that left all grantees feeling inspired.

Following the workshop, many of the ETAs communicated that they were honored to have the opportunity to learn more about Taiwan. They appreciated having the time to discuss challenges and brainstorm solutions. Last but not least, they intended to take back teaching techniques to use in their classrooms in Indonesia. While many commented that this workshop came at an awkward time because it was towards the end of the grant, they were certainly appreciative of this type of workshop and hope that future ETAs will be able to enjoy this type of engagement.