17th International Conference on TESOL to Spotlight AI and the Future of English Language Teaching

The field of English language teaching continues to evolve, and one of the year's most anticipated professional development events is set to explore where the profession is headed next.

The 17th International Conference on TESOL, co-organized by SEAMEO RETRAC and Curtin University (Australia), will take place on August 10–11, 2026, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This year's conference is centered on the theme "Shaping the Future of TESOL in the Digital Age," reflecting the growing influence of artificial intelligence, digital learning, multilingual education, and educational technology on English language instruction.

For English language teachers, researchers, school leaders, and policymakers, the conference represents an opportunity to exchange ideas and examine how the profession is adapting to rapidly changing classrooms.

Why This Conference Matters

English remains one of the world's most widely taught languages, creating continued demand for qualified TESOL professionals in schools, universities, language centers, and online education.

As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into education, teachers are facing new questions:

How should AI be used responsibly in English language teaching?
Can technology improve student engagement without replacing meaningful human interaction?
How should teacher preparation programs evolve?
What digital skills will future English teachers need?

The conference aims to address these questions by bringing together educators and researchers from around the world to share practical strategies, research findings, and classroom experiences.

Key Topics on the Agenda

According to conference organizers, presentations and workshops will focus on several emerging areas within TESOL, including:

Artificial intelligence in English language teaching
Digital transformation in language education
English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI)
Multilingual classrooms
Technology-enhanced assessment
Curriculum innovation
Teacher professional development
Classroom research and best practices

These topics reflect many of the challenges and opportunities English language educators are experiencing today.

Celebrating International Collaboration

The 2026 conference also marks 20 years of collaboration between SEAMEO RETRAC and Curtin University, a partnership that has supported professional learning and educational research throughout Southeast Asia.

Conference organizers expect educators, graduate students, researchers, and policymakers from numerous countries to participate, creating opportunities for international networking and collaboration.

Why Professional Development Remains Important

Teaching English has never been a static profession.

Student expectations continue to evolve.

Technology continues to advance.

Educational research continues to improve classroom practices.

Professional conferences allow teachers to stay informed about these developments while exchanging ideas with colleagues from different educational systems and cultural backgrounds.

For many educators, these events provide valuable opportunities to discover new instructional strategies, explore classroom technologies, and strengthen professional networks.

Looking Ahead

The theme "Shaping the Future of TESOL in the Digital Age" reflects a broader reality facing education worldwide.

Artificial intelligence, digital learning platforms, and multilingual communication are changing how English is taught and learned.

While technology will undoubtedly continue influencing classrooms, conferences such as the 17th International Conference on TESOL reinforce an important message: effective English language teaching will continue to depend on knowledgeable educators who can combine innovation with strong pedagogy and meaningful human connection.

As the conference approaches, educators around the world will be watching for new research, practical classroom ideas, and discussions that may help shape the next generation of English language teaching.

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