Transylvania University has welcomed its first Fulbright foreign language teaching assistant — a milestone that highlights the university’s growing commitment to global learning and cultural exchange.
Thanks to an initiative by professor Qian Gao, a Bingham Endowed Chair who successfully applied through Fulbright’s Institute of International Education, Yi-Ru Lee from Taiwan will spend the 2025–26 academic year teaching Chinese and sharing her culture with the Transy community.
“I want more people to learn about the Chinese language and culture,” Yi-Ru said. “Since language and culture are closely intertwined, teaching the language becomes one of the most direct ways to share the culture as well.”
Exploring culture through language
Inside the classroom, Yi-Ru introduces Transylvania students to Chinese not just as a language but as a window into a living culture.
“We begin our cultural journey from the very first greeting between teacher and student,” she said.
Students learn words and expressions deeply rooted in culture — like 属 (shǔ), a verb that refers to one’s Chinese zodiac sign. Yi-Ru also helps students understand that certain expressions don’t translate neatly between languages.
“In English, when someone hears unfortunate news, they might say, ‘I’m sorry.’ But in Chinese, saying ‘对不起’ implies an apology rather than empathy. These differences reveal how culture shapes our way of expressing care.”
Beyond the classroom, Yi-Ru leads a Chinese Conversation Table, a twice-weekly gathering open to students of all levels.
“Anyone interested in speaking Chinese is welcome,” she said. “Even simple greetings can reveal deeper cultural meanings. Through these exchanges, students explore not only the beauty of the language but also the cultural ideas embedded within it.”
Learning from American classrooms
Yi-Ru, who teaches elementary school in Taiwan, is equally eager to learn from her experience in the United States.
“I’m very excited to bring stories about American culture, geography, history, diverse communities and the many festivals I experience back to my students,” she said.
She’s especially inspired by American teaching styles and classroom environments.
“The openness, warmth and welcoming atmosphere — and especially the emphasis on encouraging students’ voices — create a space where students feel comfortable and secure,” she said. “I hope to bring these ideas back to Taiwan and create a similar environment for my own students.”
A deep connection to Chinese literature and values
Born and raised in Kaohsiung, a city in southern Taiwan, Yi-Ru earned her master’s degree researching “Language Arts in the Analects of Confucius.” Her academic passion is rooted in the wisdom and moral values found in classical Chinese literature.
“I’ve always been fascinated by how traditional concepts like filial piety (孝顺) are understood differently across cultures,” she said. “My passion for Chinese culture, combined with my curiosity about how cultural perspectives shape our thinking, motivated me to come to the U.S. to teach and share my culture.”
A year of cultural connection at Transy
Yi-Ru hopes her time at Transylvania will inspire students to see the world through new eyes.
“As Transy students learn Chinese — a culture very different from their own — I hope they gain not only linguistic knowledge but also cultural understanding,” she said. “More importantly, I hope they develop greater respect, empathy and curiosity toward others.”
She added with a smile:
“It may sound cliché, but this kind of cultural understanding is something we all need to work on. So why not come join us at the Chinese Conversation Table and seize the opportunity to broaden your world?”
About the Fulbright FLTA Program
The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program, administered by the Institute of International Education, brings young educators from around the world to U.S. campuses to teach their native languages and take courses in American studies.
The program strengthens foreign language instruction and promotes mutual understanding between the United States and other nations — values that align closely with Transylvania University’s internationalization efforts.
Thanks to Gao’s vision and Fulbright’s support, Transylvania students now have the unique opportunity to experience Chinese culture firsthand — and connect globally, right here in Lexington.