【Article by College of Commerce】
On Friday September 6th, 2024, the ETP Welcome Day was hosted in the E. Sun Conference Hall in the College of Commerce at National Chengchi University (NCCUC). The hall was filled with subdued whispers from students who gathered to embark on their English-Taught Program (ETP) journey, a distinguished program designed to cultivate business acumen alongside linguistic expertise. The Welcome Day was a thoroughly planned event that combined warmth with professionalism, setting the tone for the academic year ahead.
The orientation was moderated by Tanya, a junior majoring in Risk Management and Insurance. The poised and articulate moderator for the day stepped onto the stage and, with an air of calmness and authority, she laid out the agenda of the day with clarity and purpose. Tanya then invited Director Yi-Lin Lin to address the eager assembly. Director Lin’s speech was a heartfelt invitation to view the program as more than just an academic pursuit. She spoke of personal growth, of the transformation that each student would undergo, emerging not just as proficient English speakers but as confident global citizens, ready to make their mark in the business world.
Following this inspiring start, three outstanding professional lecturers were called on stage to introduce themselves. Instructor William Yang set a high standard with a speech that combined encouragement with expectations, urging students to master English and communicate complex business ideas effectively by their third year. Instructor Judy Kwong addressed the students’ nervousness with empathy, assuring them that such feelings were temporary and that the ETP would offer plenty of opportunities to refine their English skills. Her calming approach fostered a sense of quiet determination. Lastly, Instructor Chier Shen passionately endorsed the students’ choice to join the ETP, celebrating their decision as both brave and smart. She highlighted the excellence of the College of Commerce and the real-world opportunities it provides, leaving students feeling inspired and proud to be part of such a prestigious institution.
With the opening speeches concluded, it was time for the group photo, a moment to commemorate the beginning of this new chapter. The students, who were united by a shared purpose, gathered for the photograph, with smiles broadening for the camera, perpetuating their first day as ETP students.
The day was far from over. Following a brief break, the students were divided into three groups, each led by a different instructor to give them a taste of what lay ahead in their ETP courses. In Instructor Kwong’s session, the students were introduced to the concept of “Chinglish,” which sparked both curiosity and amusement. Through interactive examples and group activities, she emphasized the importance of using English not only grammatically correct but culturally appropriately. Instructor Kwong’s expertise in English Teaching and TESOL training shone through as she guided the students through the intricacies of language, ensuring that the first lesson was informative and engaging.
Instructor Shen’s session offered a different flavor of business education. With her characteristic energy, she engaged the students in discussions about logos and brand strategies, drawing connections between the world of commerce and the business language skills they were developing. The activities she designed were not just educational but strategic, pushing the students to think critically and work collaboratively. Her assessment of the groups was candid and constructive, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. She expressed faith in the students’ potential, confident that with the right guidance, they would excel in their studies and beyond.
Instructor Yang’s session was equally dynamic, focusing on storytelling as a means of practicing English. The students, grouped into smaller teams, were tasked with creating and presenting stories based on a set of words they brainstormed. The activity tested their creativity, language skills, and ability to work under pressure. The results were impressive, with each team delivering compelling narratives that showcased their blossoming talents. Instructor Yang’s feedback was encouraging, and his session ended on a high note, with students feeling both challenged and accomplished.
One student, Lara Lo, shared her thoughts on the day’s events, offering a perspective that was both insightful and optimistic. She praised the instructors for their teaching styles, noting that they aligned well with her own learning preferences. She particularly enjoyed Instructor Kwong’s and Yang’s sessions, appreciating the balance between instruction and interaction.
After the sessions, the students were provided with lunch boxes, a final gesture of welcome before they were dismissed for the day. The 2024 ETP Welcome Day had been a remarkable success, leaving the students not only better informed but also more connected to their peers and their instructors. It was a day of new beginnings, full of promise and potential, paving the way for the transformative journey that lay ahead.
