Strengthening Mandarin Education: Taiwan and U.S. Collaborate at ACTFL 2025

The 2025 Annual Convention of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) held in New Orleans marked a significant moment in the realm of language education. From November 21 to 23, this prestigious event brought together educators from across the United States, and for the first time, Taiwan made a notable entrance with its own pavilion. This initiative was spearheaded by the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan (FICHET) and supported by the Ministry of Education.

The Taiwan Pavilion represented a collective effort of 17 partner institutions, including key organizations like the Overseas Community Affairs Council and the Foundation for Scholarly Exchange, alongside several esteemed universities and industry participants. A highlight was the inaugural involvement of the National Palace Museum and the National Center for Traditional Arts, reflecting Taiwan's ambition to fuse cultural experiences with language education. The pavilion's intricate design elegantly combined traditional motifs with contemporary aesthetics, making an impactful statement with the slogan, "Learn Mandarin in Taiwan." This unique presentation drew considerable interest from language educators and learners nationwide.

On the first day of the event, FICHET and ACTFL jointly organized a special partnership showcase. The session featured keynote speeches from prominent figures, including ACTFL President Milton Alan Turner and Executive Director Larry Paska, who emphasized the growing collaboration in language education resources and professional development between Taiwan and the U.S.

U.S.–Taiwan Mandarin Education Symposium

Concurrently, under the U.S.–Taiwan Education Initiative, a significant symposium titled the U.S.–Taiwan Mandarin Education Symposium took place at the Loews New Orleans Hotel. This event facilitated discussions among influential educators and diplomats, targeting the enhancement of the global Mandarin-learning framework. Noteworthy speakers included Ragini Gupta from the U.S. Department of State and Melissa Monroe, President of the National Council of State Supervisors for Languages (NCSSFL). The discussions aimed to establish stronger connections through teacher exchanges, resource-sharing, and collaborative curriculum development. The exchange of ideas between NCSSFL, NADSFL, and participating school districts fostered valuable dialogue with Taiwan's delegation, promoting a shared understanding of effective teaching methodologies.

Following the symposium, participants were invited to experience "Taiwan Night," an event filled with cultural performances that garnered enthusiastic acclaim from international guests, showcasing Taiwan’s rich cultural tapestry. This combination of professional discourse and cultural celebration successfully reinforced connections among various stakeholders in Mandarin education.

FICHET Executive Director Tzu-Bin Lin highlighted the success of the Taiwan Huayu BEST Program, which has successfully nurtured partnerships between 23 Taiwanese universities and 79 institutions across the U.S. Furthermore, this initiative has led to the establishment of seven Mandarin Learning Centers, reinforcing Taiwan's commitment to promoting Mandarin education.

The 2025 Taiwan Pavilion was a testament to the country's dedication to cultural richness and educational innovation, offering customized Mandarin courses and immersive cultural programs. The pavilion's exhibit not only highlighted Taiwan's unique educational offerings but also its growing importance in the global landscape of Mandarin education.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Taiwan and the U.S. at ACTFL 2025 marks a pivotal moment in language education, fostering connections that promise to enhance Mandarin learning experiences for students and educators alike. As both regions continue to share resources and expertise, the future of Mandarin education looks brighter than ever.