The Center for Chinese Language Education Strengthens Ties with National Tsing Hua University
CCLE Staff
October 3, 2024
The Center for Chinese Language Education (CCLE) in the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures (EALL) is advancing its mission to promote Mandarin education and cultural exchange through its Taiwan Summer Immersion Program and new collaborations. On October 3, 2024, Director General Richard Lin of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Honolulu (TECO) visited the UHM campus to meet with Dr. Peter Arnade, Dean of the College of Arts, Languages & Letters (CALL), Dr. Eriza Bareng, CALL Senior Director of Development, Dr. Mee-Jeong Park, Chair of the Department of East Asian Languages and Literature, and Dr. Song Jiang, PI and Director of CCLE. The discussions focused on sustaining and expanding key initiatives, including the Taiwan Huayu Bilingual Exchanges of Selected Talent (BEST) Program, the UHM-in-Taiwan Summer Study Abroad Program at National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), and the Taiwan Visiting Teacher Program.
Program Success and Impact
The Taiwan Summer Immersion Program has been a cornerstone of UHM’s Chinese language initiatives, offering students an eight-week intensive language and cultural immersion experience. In partnership with National Tsing Hua University, the program ensures that UH students receive credit for their studies while gaining a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage. Since its launch in 2021, the program has welcomed over 40 UHM students, many of whom plan to return to Taiwan for further academic or professional pursuits. This success has established the program as a model US study abroad program in Taiwan.
Funding Challenges
Due to shifting priorities, the loss of federal funding for UH’s Chinese Flagship Program created a shortfall of $3,000–$4,000 per student for the UHM-in-Taiwan Summer Program participants. While the donation from Alice & JP Wang Foundation Student Support Fund for Study in Taiwan has helped bridge that gap, long-term sustainability requires additional support. CCLE and the UH Foundation are actively exploring alternative funding sources and building awareness of the program’s transformative impact.
New Opportunities and Partnerships
Opportunities for collaboration with institutions such as National Ocean University in Keelung were discussed during the meeting. Expanding the program to include additional locations, such as Keelung and Taipei, was highlighted as a means to enhance students’ experiences. According to Director Lin, many Taiwanese universities are also interested in hosting shorter cultural excursions, complementing the program’s academic focus. Formalizing partnerships through updated Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) will help solidify these collaborations, providing a robust framework for future initiatives.
Commitment to Excellence
Despite facing funding challenges, Dean Peter Arnade emphasized the College’s unwavering commitment to Mandarin education, supporting over 100 students who enroll annually in Chinese language courses. The Center for Chinese Language Education reaffirmed its mission to prepare students for global engagement through comprehensive language training and immersive cultural experiences.
Looking Ahead
Looking forward, the EALL Department, CCLE, and the UH Foundation aim to secure additional funding to sustain the program and expand its reach. Advocacy efforts are underway to highlight the program’s impact and garner support from private donors, Taiwanese organizations, and UH’s local and international partners. Key priorities include: formalizing partnerships with new
Taiwanese institutions through updated MOUs, exploring opportunities for cultural excursions and short-term programs, and ensuring scholarship funding to make the program accessible to all eligible students.