NTNU Chinese Language Teaching Program Deepens Ties with South Korea's Leading Universities
A delegation of faculty and graduate students from National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) visited Seoul National University (SNU) and Yonsei University for a week-long academic exchange focused on Chinese language pedagogy.
From 4-10 April, Prof. Huichen Hsiao of NTNU's Department of Chinese as a Second Language led 15 NTNU graduate students, joined by Chung Yuan Christian University partners including CYCU Dean of the College of Humanities and Education Prof. Ni-Se Peng and Department of Applied Chinese Prof. Chun-Kuan Liang along with 4 Chung Yuan graduate students. The exchange was supported by NTNU's Office of International Affairs and reflects the university's sustained commitment to preparing the next generation of Chinese language educators for global classrooms.
Chinese Language Education at Korea's Top Universities
Seoul National University has a reputation of being South Korea's most prestigious national research university and home to one of East Asia's most historically significant Chinese studies programs. The visiting delegation observed 10 Chinese language classes spanning beginner to intermediate levels. Arranged by SNU faculty members Prof. Park Jung-Gu, Prof. Lee Ok-Ju, Prof. Lee Young-Mok, and instructor Shin Mi-Kyung, the classroom observations gave NTNU students direct insight into how Korean university instructors design curricula, manage learner interaction, and adapt teaching pace to reduce anxiety among CSL learners. Prof. Lee Young-Mok personally gave the delegation a tour of the SNU Library and shared the university's institutional history.
At Yonsei University, one of South Korea's leading private research universities, the delegation engaged with a department that integrates Chinese linguistics, Sino-Korean comparative studies, classical and contemporary literary criticism, and translation practice. NTNU students noted Yonsei's distinctive ability to balance deep humanistic traditions with forward-looking, globally connected educational approaches.
The exchange also included joint seminars with Korean graduate students at both institutions, creating opportunities for peer-to-peer dialogue on Chinese language learning, teaching methodology, and cross-cultural understanding.
Student and Faculty Reflections
The immersive experience yielded practical professional insights for NTNU's graduate students, who are themselves training to become Chinese language educators worldwide. One student shared their realization that effective classroom design goes beyond simply meeting curricular objectives. They noted how an effective instructor adjusts the language pace and classroom atmosphere to reduce learner anxiety and encourage greater oral participation. Another noted the care SNU instructors took in selecting content that resonated with students, making the experience of learning Chinese an enjoyable one.
At Yonsei, an NTNU student remarked on the exceptionally precise pronunciation modeled by the instructor, and the corresponding accuracy demonstrated by students. They shared that a Chinese language teacher's own linguistic habits profoundly shape learner development over time.
These reflections speak directly to NTNU's pedagogical mission: to train reflective and adaptive language educators, equipped for diverse international teaching environments. The exchange drew praise from Korean hosts as well. SNU instructor Shin Mi-Kyung described the visit as a rare and valuable opportunity for her students to interact directly with Taiwanese peers, noting that it deepened their understanding of Taiwan's cultural and linguistic environment and meaningfully increased their motivation to learn.
Prof. Hsiao confirmed that NTNU’s partnerships with both SNU and Yonsei are expected to deepen with more joint research initiatives and resource-sharing arrangements. This particular visit was the culmination of coordination since 2025 between the four participating institutions. It shows NTNU's broader strategy of forging long-term international relationships rather than one-off exchanges.
NTNU as Global Leader in Chinese Language Education
NTNU's Department of Chinese as a Second Language holds an unrivaled position in the global field of Chinese language education. As the institution that pioneered CSL as an academic discipline and continues to set international standards for teacher training and curriculum development, NTNU is uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge between Taiwan's rich Chinese language tradition and educational communities worldwide. The Seoul exchange highlights how NTNU is in direct dialogue with emerging Chinese education landscapes across East Asia.
Faculty and research units across NTNU are encouraged to apply for the University's International Cooperation and Exchange Grant, with the second-half of the 2026 application cycle now in progress. For further information, please contact the Office of International Affairs.