Overseas teaching and professional growth in the short-term international mobility program

Practical experiences and educational implications for preservice teachers in Taiwan

Authors

  • Hsien-Ming Lin Center of Teacher Education, National Pingtung University, Taiwan
  • Sheau-Wen Lin Department of Science Communication, National Pingtung University, Taiwan
  • Ya-Ting Lee Department of Education, National Pingtung University, Taiwan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/zb66yg02

Keywords:

National Pingtung University, Short-term Mobility, Suzaku Pioneer Program, Teacher Education, Taiwan-Malaysia Education

Abstract

This study examines the experiences, meanings, and professional development of preservice teachers at National Pingtung University (NPTU) in Taiwan who participated in a short-term international mobility program that involved overseas teaching in Kampar, Malaysia. Guided by the four educational competencies proposed by NPTU’s Suzaku Pioneer University Social Responsibility (USR) Project—professional competence, exploratory competence, practical competence, and caring competence—this qualitative study employed thematic analysis to examine data collected through semi-structured interviews, reflective reports, and teaching activity documentation. The findings indicate that although the short program duration limited the deepening of professional teaching knowledge, it significantly enhanced students’ exploratory, practical, and caring competencies. The participants developed greater sensitivity to cross-cultural educational contexts, improved their reflective teaching practices, and expressed stronger concerns for educational equity and social justice. The program also broadened their global perspectives and intercultural communication skills, particularly among those traveling abroad for the first time. This study highlights the importance of short-term international mobility programs in enhancing teacher education and concludes by discussing the study’s limitations and providing recommendations for future research.

Author Biographies

  • Hsien-Ming Lin, Center of Teacher Education, National Pingtung University, Taiwan

    Hsien Ming Lin, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the Center of Teacher Education, National Pingtung University, Taiwan. With two PhDs in social and cultural anthropology (KU Leuven, Belgium) and social science (National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan), his research adopts an interdisciplinary and East Asia–centered regional studies approach, bridging educational governance, the political economy, and the social sciences. Prof. Lin primarily employs qualitative methods while also engaging in mixed-methods research on education and social issues. In addition, he is actively involved in University Social Responsibility (USR) projects at NPTU. He has led international teaching practicums in Malaysia, aiming to cultivate international mobility and intercultural competencies among preservice teachers. This article is based on research findings from those overseas teaching experiences. Email: hsienming79@mail.nptu.edu.tw

  • Sheau-Wen Lin, Department of Science Communication, National Pingtung University, Taiwan

    Sheau-Wen Lin, PhD, is a Professor at the Department of Science Communication, National Pingtung University, Taiwan. Holding a B.S., M.S., and PhD in Science Education, she played a pivotal role in founding the Department and the university’s STEM Education Center to advance teacher preparation and research. Her work bridges formal and informal science education, with a strong emphasis on preservice teacher programs and the development of STEM curricula. Prof. Lin currently leads initiatives to improve science education in rural areas through a University Social Responsibility (USR) project. This article highlights the collaborative project through which she and her colleagues at NPTU support preservice teachers in international experiential learning and teaching in partnership with primary schools in Malaysia. Email: linshewen@mail.nptu.edu.tw

  • Ya-Ting Lee, Department of Education, National Pingtung University, Taiwan

    Ya Ting Lee, PhD, is a Professor at the Department of Education, National Pingtung University, Taiwan. Her primary research interests lie in curriculum and instruction, aesthetic education, and cross-grade pedagogy. In recent years, she and college members have led university social responsibility (USR) initiatives focused on supporting small rural schools in demographically declining regions. Through a triadic co-learning model involving university faculty, preservice teachers, and in-service educators, they advance instructional quality and teacher professional development. This article highlights a collaborative project led by her and NPTU colleagues, guiding preservice teachers in international learning and engagement with remote primary schools in Malaysia. E-mail: yating@mail.nptu.edu.tw

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Published

2025-09-20

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Vol. 15 No. 11 (2025): Journal of International Students

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Research Articles (English, regular edition)

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How to Cite

Lin, H.-M., Lin, S.-W., & Lee, Y.-T. (2025). Overseas teaching and professional growth in the short-term international mobility program: Practical experiences and educational implications for preservice teachers in Taiwan. Journal of International Students, 15(11), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.32674/zb66yg02