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Professor Anastassia Zabrodskaja's visit to National Sun Yat-Sen University (NSYSU) in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, as part of the Erasmus+ program, exemplifies the importance of international academic collaboration and cultural exchange. Her engagement underscores a commitment to fostering global dialogues on intercultural communication and identity dynamics, which are crucial in today's interconnected world. Professor Zabrodskaja’s lectures on the topic of ‘Rethinking the Teaching of Intercultural Communication in the Era of Globalization’ highlighted key intercultural challenges, such as language and identity negotiation in multilingual societies, as well as the effectiveness of cultural awareness in fostering cross-cultural competence. By examining Estonia’s approach to English as the first foreign language taught in schools and actively used in sociolinguistic landscapes, she provided a nuanced perspective on fostering linguistic inclusivity. Her discussion of identity, globalization, and intercultural communication shed light on their broader societal implications, equipping participants with practical tools for effective engagement in an ever more interconnected society. Her visit not only enriched the academic discourse at NSYSU but also paved the way for potential research collaborations and knowledge-sharing initiatives between Estonian and Taiwanese scholars.

Beyond her lectures at NSYSU, Professor Zabrodskaja engaged in enriching discussions with colleagues and students, emphasizing the importance of intercultural appreciation. She attended talks by Professor Selim Ben Said, in which he shared insights into the significance of Ramadan for individuals, universities, and international students. She also became acquainted with the contributions of the Muslim Student Association (MSA NSYSU), whose experiences added depth to the understanding of the adaptation of Muslim students in an international university. The main topic of these discussions was the necessity of fostering dialogue, respect, and inclusivity within academic spaces. These interactions provided a platform for meaningful cultural exchange, allowing participants to share their experiences and perspectives on coping with diverse academic environments.

During her Erasmus+ visit to NSYSU, Professor Zabrodskaja was invited to the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology by Dr Jo Shan Fu, Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Department of English. There, she delivered an invited lecture titled 'English as a Third ‘Local Language’ in Estonia: Tourism and Culture Insights' to the English for Tourism class at NKUST. Her lecture explored the evolving role of English in Estonia, particularly its growing significance in the fields of tourism and cultural exchange. She discussed how English functions within Estonia’s multilingual and multicultural society, serving as a bridge for communication among its diverse population and enhancing the country’s appeal as a tourist destination. Drawing from her extensive expertise in sociolinguistics and cultural studies, Professor Anastassia Zabrodskaja illuminated the intersections of language, culture, and tourism in Estonia. The visit offered invaluable insights into Estonia’s dynamic linguistic landscape, while underscoring the importance of cultural understanding and communication in our increasingly interconnected world.

Professor Anastassia Zabrodskaja’s participation in academic activities in Taiwan highlighted the valuable opportunities facilitated by Erasmus+ exchanges. Her engagement demonstrated the program’s crucial role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue, academic collaboration, and knowledge exchange between institutions in different regions. Through lectures, discussions, and joint initiatives for comparative research, she contributed to a deeper understanding of diverse academic perspectives while also gaining insights into Taiwan’s educational landscape. This reciprocal learning experience benefited scholars and students alike, reinforcing the broader network of international academic cooperation. Her interactions with faculty and students not only deepened mutual understanding but also laid the groundwork for future research collaborations, joint academic initiatives, and continued dialogue between Estonian and Taiwanese institutions. The Erasmus+ program continued to serve as a bridge for intellectual growth, cultural appreciation, and global partnerships in higher education, fostering enduring relationships between institutions and promoting the exchange of innovative ideas and best practices across borders.

 

The text is authored by Dr. , who is a Professor of Intercultural Communication, the Head of the Master’s Program in Communication Management at Tallinn University Baltic Film, Media and Arts School, and the Executive Director of the European Masters in Intercultural Communication (EMICC) teaching and research network.