The College of International Culture, Education and Foreign Affairs (hereafter referred to as the College of ICEFA) at Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages has been recognized as one of the key colleges to promote English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) for realizing Taiwan’s Bilingual 2030 plan. Focusing on the use of English in an international context, the College of ICEFA not only offers English language training, but also provides courses in the disciplines of Culture and Education, International Affairs, and Negotiation and Communication. Moreover, it has taken the initiative to offer EMI courses in the fields of international economics and global politics. This academic enterprise advances the traditional method of English language education in a local context. In the 2021/22 (academic year 110), the College of ICEFA offered 200 EMI courses for students in various disciplines.
A majority of English proficiency tests offered in Taiwan are simply listening and reading tests. These types of tests fall short of accurately representing students’ English proficiency. The College of ICEFA has adopted a 4-skill English proficiency test to address this issue. All freshmen (including the English department, International Affairs department, Translation and Interpreting department, and Foreign Language Instruction department) will take the Versant 4 Skills Essential Test developed by the American publishing company, Pearson. This will be conducted using pre- and post-tests to assess the progress of students’ English ability when enrolled in EMI courses. The 35-minute test includes all four skills necessary to be considered proficient in English: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. The test is adapted to students’ proficiency level and students’ results will be available immediately after taking the test. Moreover, the College also partially subsidizes students to take other internationally recognized 4-skill English proficiency tests (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) for various learning needs.
To encourage students to challenge their English skills, the College of ICEFA provides financial incentives. When students demonstrate a 4-skill English proficiency level of B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) before entering their sophomore year, they will receive a scholarship of NTD 3,000. A scholarship of NTD 5,000 will be awarded to students with a C1 level of proficiency. Senior students with a total of 75% or more credits in EMI courses will receive a scholarship of NTD 10,000. Besides offering a subsidy for the English proficiency test, the College will also subsidize students who are earning internationally recognized certificates in their specific professions with a maximum award of NT$10,000. This will help to assure students’ competitiveness in the international market.
In order to improve the teaching quality in EMI courses, the College of ICEFA implemented a classroom observation strategy to see how both Chinese and English are used in EMI classrooms. Additionally, the observation will focus on the classroom interactions between teachers and students, and provide feedback to EMI instructors. The College will also host EMI online workshops for instructors to share insights and experiences.
With 56 years of solid foundation in foreign language instruction at Wenzao, the College of International Culture, Education and Foreign Affairs continues to thrive and refine its programs to benefit students’ academic experiences. The College imports the talent pool of faculty members, students and alumni from around the world. It harnesses the energy and clear vision of foreign affairs as it provides the finest EMI faculty training for the 2030 Bilingual Nation, and expands the horizons of international culture and education. With this talent cultivation, the College of ICEFA is committed to raise Taiwan’s international reputation and visibility.
The College of International Culture, Education, and Foreign Affairs at Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages is implementing the Taiwan Experience Education Program (TEEP) and has invited a Ukrainian student to Taiwan for the first time. Valeriia Skrynnyk, a 21-year-old Ukrainian woman, came to Taiwan in October to teach English and learn Chinese. In the spirit of humanity, Wenzao offered her free accommodations and a “buddy” to help her adapt to Taiwanese culture and learn Chinese. From October to November, Valeriia worked at Kaohsiung Municipal Hebin Elementary School as an English teaching assistant. While there, she participated in a cultural handicraft class at Kaohsiung Municipal Shoushan Junior High School, where she taught middle school students to paint Easter eggs. Also, while in Taiwan, Valeriia shared the Ukrainian language, food, and culture in four courses at Wenzao. She also shared her story of living through the war in Ukraine and the displacement of her family and friends, which made her cry during the sharing session. However, many Taiwanese students came to her after class and cheered her up, which made her feel the warmth of Taiwan.
Dr. Vivian Chiu-Hui Wu, the Dean of the College of International Culture, Education, and Foreign Affairs, stated, “There are many Russian students and teachers at Wenzao, but no Ukrainian students. Therefore, it is necessary for teachers and students to learn more about the Ukrainian culture and viewpoints on the war. Valeriia wrote the following:
“With the arrival of the war to my home, my life was turned upside down. Every day I woke up to the sound of missiles and bombs explosions. There were times when I said goodbye to my life because of the shelling, thinking that it was my last day. When Ms. Wu told me that I could come to Taiwan, I felt like I was alive again; it was a breath of fresh air for me. I am very grateful to Taiwan for supporting Ukraine! I am so grateful to the Taiwanese people for making me feel like this is my second home. Here, I not only learned Chinese [language] and culture, but also relearned how to live and enjoy life. Again, Taiwanese people are very kind and helpful. These facts make me not feel disappointed with people. Thanks, Taiwan, for being interested in Ukrainian culture. We have a lot in common and I hope the cooperation between Taiwan and the Ukraine will be better and better. Thank you, Taiwan, from the bottom of my heart!”
Finally, Valeriia would like to thank the Ministry of Education for funding the TEEP program and the Taiwanese teachers and students for taking care of her and allowing her life story to be heard. Valeriia is currently studying Chinese at Wenzao’s Chinese Language Center and is expected to work as an English teaching assistant again in the elementary or middle schools next semester.
