Updates

Flamenco Workshop for Spanish Language Students

The Spanish Department organised a Flamenco Workshop as part of its efforts to integrate experiential learning into the language programme. Inspired by the rich traditions of flamenco, the session was conducted in a thoughtful and encouraging manner, allowing everyone to participate confidently and try the movements without hesitation.

What made the workshop particularly meaningful for Spanish learners was the use of Spanish instructions, always supported by clear English explanations. This approach created a holistic learning experience — participants were not just dancing, but also naturally absorbing vocabulary, rhythm, and cultural nuances along the way.

The workshop was an empowering, culturally enriching, and enjoyable activity for all involved.

Spanish LIP Winter Programme 2025 in Alicante

In December 2025, 50 NTU students embarked on the Spanish Language Immersion Programme, completing the equivalent of NTU’s Level 1 Spanish course. Discover how two students experienced the programme:

“Everything was thoughtfully organised and well-paced, keeping us engaged without feeling overwhelmed. The classes were engaging and interesting, with knowledgeable and fun professors who made learning enjoyable. Spending time with my NTU peers made the experience even more special, and overall, it was a truly immersive experience in language, food, travel, and culture.”
Agarwal Utkarsh – LS5002 student

“This opportunity is unique because for the whole two weeks the University of Alicante arranges for you to stay in a homestay for extra immersion in Spain's rich culture and chances to practice your language skills. My host family and I exchanged recipes and had many delightful conversations around the dinner table!”
Melody Tan - LS5002 student

NTU students in French with countless memories in Franche-Comté

39 NTU students in French travelled to Besançon, France, for an experiential learning experience at the Centre de Linguistique Appliquée of the University Marie et Pierre Pasteur.

For many, it was their first real trip to France and our partner, the CLA, had crafted a stay full of discoveries and surprises. Between wandering through Christmas markets in Alsace in the dream city of Colmar, attending a theatre play, exploring museums, and climbing up to the impressive Citadel of Besançon (a UNESCO World Heritage site), students discovered Eastern part of France culture, history and way of life.

Another big part of the adventure was living with host families, sharing daily life, discovering French gastronomy, and experiencing the culture from the inside, around the dinner table as much as in the classroom. And of course, developing their language skills any time and everywhere, gaining confidence, and truly living the language remain the heart of our Language Immersion Programme!

Bravo to our students for their curiosity, enthusiasm, and for turning every experience into lifetime memories and thank you to our partner to organising this eventful programme.

Deux Fleuves, One Dialogue: Celebrating Franco-Singaporean connections

On Friday 17 of October, the French Coordinators from the Centre for Modern Languages (CML) had the honour to offer Melisa Teo’s book, Deux Fleuves, Two Rivers, to the Arts, Media and Design Library of Nanyang Technological.
In this remarkable artistic book, a copy which was presented to the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, during his state visit to Singapore in celebration of the 60ᵗʰ anniversary of the Republic of Singapore, Melisa Teo, a Singaporean photographer based in France, draws a poetic connection between the Singapore River and the Seine, symbolising the dialogue between two nations and cultures that continue to inspire one another.

NTU University Librarian, Ms. Caroline Pang, and her team, James Wong, Senior Librarian and Temi, the robot librarian, were truly grateful and appreciative to receive this rare edition and joined the French Coordinators in thanking the French Embassy in Singapore for its donation. 

Photo Credit: Nurhaziqah Binte Ismail

CML Welcomes the Portuguese Ambassador to NTU

On Thursday, 9 October 2025, the Portuguese Ambassador to Singapore, Dr. Carlos Pires, and the Deputy Head of Mission at the Portuguese Embassy, Drª Rita Mota Nogueira, were warmly received at the Centre for Modern Languages (CML), Nanyang Technological University (NTU). The visit centred on discussions regarding the upcoming launch of the Portuguese language module, which CML is preparing to add to its expanding portfolio of foreign language offerings.

The Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CoHASS), Professor Jon Wilson, the Director of CML, Mr. Jean-François Noël Ghesquière, and Ms. Estelle Bech, Interim Coordinator for Portuguese at CML, participated in the meeting. The visit concluded with a tour of NTU teaching facilities. The Ambassador and the Deputy Head of Mission expressed strong interest in the initiative and conveyed their enthusiasm for fostering closer academic ties between CML and Portuguese institutions

An Exclusive Exchange with the French Ambassador to Singapore

On October 10th, 2025, the coordinators of the French module from the Centre for Modern Languages (CML) had the honour of being invited to a private reception hosted by the Ambassador of France to Singapore, his Excellency Stephen Marchisio.

During the event, the Director of CML addressed key issues concerning the current landscape and future direction of foreign language education at NTU. Following this initial overview, the Lead French Language Coordinator presented recent developments in the French programme at the Centre for Modern Languages.

The French module at CML is deeply grateful for the opportunity given to meet with his Excellency and would like to sincerely thank Mme Camille Bruni and her dedicated team in organising this meeting.

Celebrating 60 Years of Friendship Between France and Singapore at Lee Wee Nam Library! 

 To mark the 60ᵗʰ anniversary of the Republic of Singapore, the French Department at NTU was honoured to receive a memorable commemorative book from the Embassy of France in Singapore.

The publication highlights the deep and lasting ties—economic, political, cultural, and historical—that have connected France and Singapore since the founding of the Republic.

It also shines a light on NTU’s active and essential role in fostering educational cooperation between the two nations.

To make this unique work accessible to the wider NTU community, the French Department at CML offered a copy to be part of the collection at the Lee Wee Nam Libray.  Ms Caroline Pang, University Librarian and Ms Wendy Ong, Head, Collection Development and Finance, were there to receive the limited edition book. 

We sincerely thank the French Embassy for this symbolic and meaningful gift, celebrating our shared friendship, and the library team for their warm and enthusiastic welcome.

Pre-Japanese Cultural Exchange Program

Led by Dr. Shinozaki, NTU students who previously participated in the Language Immersion Program  (LIP) at Waseda University joined a series of cultural and educational activities in Japan. The program  aimed to deepen cross-cultural understanding and provide students with more opportunities to interact with Japanese peers.

During the exchange, NTU students engaged in:
Japanese Tanabata Festival in Asakusa, experiencing traditional celebrations.
Exchange session at Seijo Gakuen Junior High School, where they discussed and played games with local students.
Visit to Showa Women’s University Elementary School, where they were warmly welcomed with a Japanese festival prepared by the children.

Students shared that their time at Showa Women’s Elementary School was particularly memorable, as the vibrant festival atmosphere created meaningful interactions with the children. The program  also included a company visit to CAL, a Japanese IT firm that had visited NTU earlier this year, and a special opportunity to attend a live concert by K-pop artist UK, who composes music in Japanese. This unique program  allowed NTU students to experience Japan’s cultural diversity first-hand, while building connections with local communities at different educational levels.

Spanish Culture Experiential Learning

On Tuesday, 4th March 2025, the Spanish Department organised a Group Food Outing to Eduardo’s Spanish Place to provide an experiential learning opportunity for our Level 2 students. They had the chance to order food in Spanish and practise their language skills in a real-world setting, making the experience both immersive and rewarding.

Students savoured the rich flavours of Spanish cuisine while bonding and socialising outside the classroom, strengthening our sense of community. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the delicious dishes we tried! Among the favourites were:

• Paella – a traditional Spanish rice dish
• Tortilla de Patatas – a classic Spanish omelette made with potatoes and onions, perfectly cooked and deeply satisfying
• Churros con Chocolate – a sweet treat to end the meal, with crispy churros served alongside thick, rich chocolate

We hope this outing not only broadened our students’ culinary horizons but also created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere to connect with peers. A big thank you to everyone who joined – we look forward to sharing more unforgettable experiences together.

CML hosted American exchange students at National Chengchi University, Taiwan

We were honoured to host American exchange students at National Chengchi University in Taiwan, representing a diverse range of universities, including University of Minnesota, University of Washington, Brigham Young University, Hunter College of City University of New York, San Francisco State University, and University of North Georgia. As a key initiative for advancing Chinese language education in the U.S., the Program plays a vital role in cultivating globally competent individuals with advanced proficiency in Chinese. This event, hosted at Centre for Modern Languages, NTU, highlighted our dedication to fostering global connections and facilitating meaningful cultural and academic exchanges. It provided a valuable platform for students and educators to connect and collaborate, underscoring the importance of global partnerships in advancing language learning and cultural understanding.

Testimonials:

"Reflecting on my experience interacting with the Nanda students, I found it to be a truly enjoyable and enriching experience. Everyone was eager to share their ideas and engage in friendly conversations, which made the atmosphere welcoming and open."
US Student

"It was an enriching experience to connect with them and share perspectives. I was able to understand what their university experience in America is really like—and it’s not all about the frat houses like I’ve seen in movies! I also shocked that some of the students even had a Taiwanese accent, which goes to show how our direct environment influences the way we pick up languages for the first time. Events like this foster mutual understanding and helps to convince others that Singapore does not only consist of Changi airport and not everyone is a Crazy Rich Asian. I look forward to future opportunities to collaborate and contribute."
NTU student

NTU Students Shine at the Spanish LIP Winter Programme 2024

In December 2024, 36 NTU students participated in the Spanish LIP Winter Programme at the Universidad de Alicante, completing the equivalent of NTU's Level 1 Spanish course. Immersed in a vibrant learning environment, they not only honed their Spanish language skills but also delved into the local culture through exciting activities, such as an excursion to Alicante and the iconic Castillo de Santa Bárbara, a day trip to Valencia, and a Spanish cooking workshop, where they mastered the art of tapas and traditional dishes.

This unforgettable experience combined academic achievement with cultural exploration, fostering language skills, cultural appreciation, and lifelong memories. A huge thanks to our students for their enthusiasm and dedication in making this programme a resounding success!