NCKU Chinese Language Center Offers 8-Week Immersive Experience through "The Critical Language Scholarship Program"-國立成功大學永續發展SDGs

NCKU, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State, launched the "Critical Language Scholarship Program (CLS)" for its 8th year with an opening ceremony on June 26, 2023. Excited attendees, including 23 scholarship recipients from universities such as Yale and Smith College, are looking forward to an intensive 8-week Chinese language and cultural experience. They hope to significantly improve their Chinese language skills during this period.


NCKU Vice President Yuh-Neu Chen  and Deputy Director Ming-Lei  Lee of the American Institute in Taiwan's Kaohsiung Branch attended the opening ceremony, along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education's Department of International and Cross-Strait Education, and the American Councils for International Education. Vice President Chen expressed gratitude for the trust CLS placed in NCKU and encouraged students to immerse themselves in Taiwanese culture, fostering stronger Taiwan-U.S. relations.


One student, Hua Wei, who previously studied Chinese in China, expressed excitement about learning in a full Chinese language environment and hopes to return to the U.S. with a distinct Taiwanese accent after the 8-week program. 


Mark, a doctoral student in international relations, emphasized the complexity of the U.S.-China-Taiwan relations and aims to deepen his understanding of Taiwanese perspectives alongside improving his traditional Chinese language skills.


The CLS program emphasizes immersion in the Chinese language environment, with students encouraged to speak English only in emergencies. This year's program integrates language and culture, offering small group classes, discussions, and one-on-one tutoring. Cultural experiences include homestays, language partners, cultural activities, and visits to local sites.


NCKU recruited 24 host families to facilitate cross-cultural learning for foreign students and empower both Taiwanese and American students in navigating cultural communication and conflicts. Additionally, 18 NCKU students from various colleges serve as one-on-one language partners for CLS students, assisting with speaking practice and cultural understanding. This intercultural exchange not only enhances language skills but also fosters global competitiveness.


Since 2016, NCKU's Chinese Language Center has hosted the CLS program, enabling students to complete one year of Chinese language study in eight weeks and earn university credits certified by Bryn Mawr College. The 23 scholarship recipients in 2023 hail from prestigious institutions such as Yale University, Johns Hopkins University, University of California, Davis, and the U.S. Naval Academy.


In addition to CLS, 15 students received scholarships for the Taiwan Intensive Summer Language Program (TISLP) and began their 8-week Chinese language program at NCKU after the opening ceremony on June 19, 2023.


These students, from institutions like Stanford University, the University of Virginia, and Arizona State University, will benefit from language classes as well as cultural visits, activities, language partners, and host family interactions to enhance their Chinese proficiency in a short period.