【Taiwan: The Best Choice for Learning Mandarin - A Fantastic Venue to Experience the Chinese Language.】

This article introduces the importance of Mandarin Chinese, noting that it is currently the most widely spoken language in the world, second only to English in its extensive use on the internet. By understanding Mandarin Chinese, individuals can gain deeper insights into the profound aspects of Chinese culture across various aspects of life and grasp the pulse of the times, expanding their international perspectives for global communication. Consequently, many foreign schools have recognized the significance of Mandarin Chinese and included it as a second foreign language.

To promote Mandarin Chinese and provide comprehensive Mandarin education information services, the "Office of Global Mandarin Education" (OGME) was established. OGME primarily offers two categories of Mandarin learning information: "Learn Chinese in Taiwan" and "Spread Chinese to The World."

Regarding professional Mandarin schools, Taiwan has established accredited institutions throughout the country, offering diverse Mandarin courses, including regular classes, summer/winter classes, study tours, workshops, and even online courses. Currently, there are 62 institutions accepting foreign students, allowing interested individuals to choose based on their personal preferences, such as accommodation availability, scholarships, and proximity to transportation.

In terms of scholarships and subsidies, foreign students can apply for scholarships from professional Mandarin schools, and the government also provides rich scholarship options, such as the Taiwan Scholarship and the Chinese Language Scholarship. Additionally, there are subsidies for short-term study courses for foreign students and personal subsidies for overseas Chinese teacher training, aiming to attract outstanding foreign teachers and students to study Mandarin in Taiwan and enhance their understanding of Taiwanese customs and culture.

The article also mentions Mandarin proficiency tests for non-native Mandarin speakers to assess their language proficiency for academic, work, or business purposes.

Lastly, OGME collaborates with the Taiwan Assessment and Evaluation Association, aiming to serve as a driving force for Mandarin Chinese education, assisting the Ministry of Education in promoting resource integration among various sectors, including Mandarin Chinese professional departments, Mandarin centers, and private professional organizations. By leveraging the capabilities of various advanced sectors, OGME strives to contribute to Taiwan's reputation on the international stage and become a model for countries worldwide to learn Mandarin Chinese.

【Excerpt from the issue No. 03, 2020 of TWAEA’s ePaper】