Dr Esther Tong Participates in U.S. Academic Leadership Exchange Programme

Dr Esther Tong, Division Head of the Division of Languages and Communication of PolyU CPCE, was selected to join a distinguished group of English language education professionals from Hong Kong to participate in the “Strategic Partnerships and Leadership in Academic Administrations” exchange programme held from 11 to 24 November 2025 in Baltimore and New Orleans, USA.

The programme, funded by the Office of English Language Programmes under the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs through the English Access Scholarship, brought together 25 higher education administrators overseeing English-as-a-foreign-language programmes from 24 countries. It aimed to equip international administrators with the skills and professional networks needed to establish and sustain strategic global partnerships in English language education.

Dr Tong joined a six day intensive professional development programme in Baltimore, where she explored best practices in departmental and programme administration, leadership in English language teaching, and cross cultural collaboration. The programme featured site visits to the Maryland Higher Education Commission, the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore Community College, and Towson University, complemented by professional meetings and networking opportunities with academic leaders. Dr Tong’s involvement strengthened international collaboration and supported the pursuit of multidisciplinary, integrated solutions to complex challenges in English language education. She also attended the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Convention in New Orleans.