On Sept. 1, Auburn University and members of National Cheng Kung University — located in Tainan City, Taiwan – cemented a partnership to foster equal learning opportunities for Auburn students. In effort to spread knowledge about Chinese culture and, subsequently, Taiwan, members of NCKU have branched out to organize relations with U.S. universities.
“NCKU has scholarships that can cover intensive language learning for the semester or summer and is welcoming Auburn students as soon as we can all travel again,” said Kalani Long, the communications and marketing specialist in the Office of International Programs.
Long said the ties between these universities were established as part of the First Destinations initiative, which provides Auburn graduates with the opportunity to live and work overseas.
In addition, students at First Destinations will have internship opportunities and chances to perform pre-service teaching in English at local Taiwan K-12 schools.
Long said Taiwan is a great location for a partnership and the Taiwanese government is working to “grow language learning and promote ties between universities."
Upcoming Chinese classes, provided by this partnership are as follows:
Chinese Culture Class: Calligraphy
• Oct. 14, 12-12:50 p.m. in Foy 242
• Nov. 11, 12-12:50 p.m. in Foy 242
Chinese Culture Class: Calligraphy
• Oct. 28, 12-12:50 p.m. in Foy 242
Chinese Language Course: In-Person (Non-credit course)
• Oct. 11 to Nov. 19, Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 12-12:50 p.m. in Mell 3133 (Novice level)
Chinese Language Course: Online via Zoom (Non-credit course)
• Oct. 11 to Nov. 19, Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 5-5:50 p.m. (Novice level)
• Oct. 12 to Dec. 2, Tuesday, Thursday from 5-6:15 p.m. (Novice level)
Long said their partnership with Auburn University now represents one of many steps towards educating Auburn students about Chinese culture. This partnership will further address university goals regarding teaching practices and employment for graduates, she said.
Interested students are able to contact Ellie Lee for more information on specific programs being offered in this partnership.
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Catherine Haynes, junior in journalism, is the opinion editor for the Auburn Plainsman.
