Teacher, you must come again next year!
The words of a departing student highlight the lasting connections formed through the Love Across Borders: Mandarin Mentorship Program in Chiang Mai.
For Yu-Ting Tseng (曾毓婷), this parting request represented much more than a simple farewell. It symbolized a meaningful relationship and the tangible impact of her presence in her students' lives. A graduate of the Department of Chinese Language and Literature at National United University in Taiwan, Tseng joined the first cohort of the tutoring initiative in early 2024. The experience allowed her to reconnect with her initial passion for education while gaining valuable cross-cultural teaching experience.
Overcoming geographical barriers
The tutoring program aims to support the educational needs of disadvantaged students in rural Northern Thailand and Syrian refugees. By recruiting youth volunteers and combining professional training with a robust online teaching platform, the initiative breaks through geographical boundaries. It provides students with critical language skills and broadens their perspectives, opening doors to new opportunities.
Educational resources are often scarce in rural Northern Thailand, and differences in language and culture can present significant challenges in the classroom. Although Tseng did not come from a traditional teacher training background, the program's support enabled her to step confidently into her role. She focused on integrating Mandarin into everyday contexts, helping students grasp the language naturally. During her online sessions, she prioritized interactive activities and situational dialogues, allowing the youth to build their confidence through practical application. Even with limited technological equipment, the students' unwavering focus and enthusiastic feedback kept her motivated.
Building meaningful relationships
For Tseng, the true reward of the tutoring program extended far beyond academic milestones. The most significant outcomes were the enduring bonds forged with the students over time.
This simple, spontaneous message from a typically introverted student after class demonstrated the profound value of consistent companionship. It showed that the true impact of teaching is often found in these small, quiet moments of connection.
Reflecting on her journey, Tseng admitted that when she first joined the program, she was driven by a youthful determination to prove her own capabilities. However, as she completed her second term and entered the third cohort as a senior volunteer, her perspective shifted. Now, she selflessly shares her experiences with new peers who face their own teaching challenges. Her motivation has transitioned from a desire to prove to herself to a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.
From navigating initial anxieties to finding a natural rhythm with her students, Tseng's journey reflects the broader mission of the program. By delivering educational resources to rural areas, the initiative encourages greater social awareness of diverse learning needs. Education, in this context, is not merely a structured curriculum; it is an evolving force that inspires growth, fosters mutual understanding, and creates lasting change for everyone involved.
Written by Yi-Ting Wang (王藝婷)
