Introduction and Features

The International Master Program in Teaching Chinese and Calligraphy and the International Ph.D. Program in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language are academic programs established by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. These programs are the first in Taiwan specifically designed to recruit international students for advanced degrees in Chinese language education.

Integrating faculty expertise from across different colleges and departments, the programs have developed a comprehensive and interdisciplinary framework for research and instruction in Chinese language teaching. Based on students’ academic backgrounds and learning needs—particularly those of international students—the programs offer customized, country-specific teaching and research approaches to ensure effective and meaningful learning outcomes.

Key Development Areas

The International Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language at this university are the first international graduate programs in Taiwan primarily focused on recruiting international students. Enrolling students from across the globe, the programs emphasize "pedagogical practice" and "country-specific differentiation." By integrating the linguistic and cultural contexts of various nations with real-world teaching environments, we cultivate talent in Chinese language research and practice, exploring linguistic acquisition, cultural differences, and pedagogical phenomena across different national backgrounds.

The specific development focuses and features of the Doctoral Program are:

1. Cultivation of culture and thought

2. Deepening country-specific pedagogical research

3. Enhancing the application of technology in Chinese language teaching

4. Promoting curriculum and research supported by educational technology

The specific development focuses and features of the Master's Program are:

1. Deepening country-specific pedagogical research

2. Developing the integration of Chinese language teaching and technological application

3. Strengthening the instruction and academic promotion of Traditional Chinese calligraphy arts in Taiwan

4. Cultivating outstanding educators in Chinese language and calligraphy arts while establishing a professional talent database

Curriculum Planning

The curriculum design prioritizes "pedagogical practice" and "country-specific differentiation," combining international linguistic cultures with classroom reality. By integrating technology into Chinese language instruction and research, and blending language, culture, and thought, we aim to cultivate Chinese language education professionals with innovative mindsets and cross-cultural communication skills.

The programs integrate expert faculty from various departments across the university to build a diverse research system. Centered on "Research Methodology," "Linguistic Ontology," and "Pedagogical Practice," the curriculum is supplemented by studies in Chinese culture and thought. The design focuses on regional variations—analyzing contrasts between Chinese and various foreign languages in terms of grammar, vocabulary, phonetics, pragmatics, and culture. Based on these foundations, we develop Chinese language courses, teaching methodologies, and materials tailored to specific countries to improve instructional targeting. We encourage students to leverage their own linguistic backgrounds to explore issues in language acquisition and cultural differences. Furthermore, students are encouraged to participate in international academic activities, publish papers, and engage in exchange visits to broaden their global horizons. To accommodate diverse learning needs, experienced students may participate in classroom teaching or specialized projects, while those without experience are provided with ample observation and internship opportunities to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Career Prospects

Amidst the global surge in Chinese language learning, academic systems worldwide are placing increasing importance on the development of Chinese language education, leading to a rising demand for specialized talent. These programs offer international students who are already engaged in Chinese education the opportunity to deepen their expertise through Master’s or Doctoral degrees, becoming professional scholars in overseas teacher training. For domestic students, we provide opportunities for Chinese language teaching both at home and abroad. As Chinese language skills remain an indispensable part of economic development, graduates can immediately enter the market. Doctoral graduates, in particular, are well-positioned for teaching and research roles in university departments and language centers. Additionally, graduates can pursue careers in the arts and humanities, social activities, publishing, and professional translation.