VietTESOL International Convention 2026

This presentation reports an exploratory study investigating how Vietnamese EFL teachers adapt and localise intercultural teaching materials with the support of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Grounded in intercultural communicative competence (ICC) and teacher agency in materials development, the study examines how teachers manage cultural representation, institutional expectations, student needs, and technological affordances when designing or adapting classroom materials. Data were collected through a qualitative questionnaire distributed to EFL teachers across language centres in MeKong Delta. The questionnaire explored teachers’ professional backgrounds, adaptation practices, intercultural decision-making, and experiences using AI tools. Preliminary findings suggest that teachers frequently modify imported or AI-generated materials to improve cultural relevance, linguistic appropriateness, and alignment with local educational expectations. While AI was perceived as useful for generating ideas, simplifying language, and saving preparation time, participants also reported concerns regarding superficial cultural representations, factual inaccuracies, and limited contextual sensitivity. The presentation highlights the continuing importance of teacher judgment in evaluating and refining AI-assisted intercultural materials. Attendees will gain practical insights into how AI can support intercultural EFL material design while recognising the pedagogical and cultural responsibilities that remain firmly in teachers’ hands.