UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In November 2021, Penn State and National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) signed an agreement for the “ Taiwan Hauyu BEST Program” to facilitate Chinese language instruction and learning in areas of academic cooperation and exchange of visiting scholars and students. This agreement allows NTNU to annually send two visiting scholars on exchange to Penn State, while Penn State students go to NTNU for in-depth Chinese language study with short-term scholarships (2-3 months) or long-term scholarships (6-12 months). When in Taiwan, students also provide English language tutorials to local elementary school students throughout the country.

Since the inception of the program, the Department of Asian Studies at Penn State has hosted five visiting scholars from NTNU, and a total of 26 Penn State students have studied at NTNU via the scholarship program. In 2024, an additional two-week NTNU scholarship program will be provided for Penn State students.

An enduring, 70-year partnership

The history of collaboration between Penn State and NTNU is deeply rooted, dating back to 1953. In 1998, a formal partnership was established between Penn State’s College of Education and NTNU, and in 2013, the Institute of Research Excellence in Learning Sciences solidified this mutual academic exchange. Meanwhile, in January 2022, the collaboration between Penn State and NTNU reached a significant milestone through the inauguration of the Huayu Best exchange between PSU and NTNU. The Huayu Best exchange marks the start of a sustained, international partnership supporting Mandarin Chinese studies in the Department of Asian Studies.

In December 2022, a delegation led by Professor Yung-hsiang “Frank” Ying, executive vice president from NTNU, visited Penn State. The delegation sought to deepen bilateral collaborations between Penn State and NTNU. In March 2023, to commemorate the 70-year sustainable partnership between Penn State and NTNU, NTNU invited a Penn State delegation, led by Vice Provost Roger Brindley, to present at the forum on the Internationalization of Higher Education. This event featured speakers from renowned global institutions and attracted nearly 500 faculty and students, highlighting the enduring partnership between the two universities.

Huayu BEST Program’s mission and its impact

Professor Yupeng Kou, Coordinator of Chinese language program in the Department of Asian Studies at Penn State, plays a crucial role in hosting visiting scholars from the NTNU and encouraging students to study Chinese in the Huayu Best exchange at the NTNU. Kou emphasizes the program's commitment to enhancing students’ Chinese language proficiency through a comprehensive curriculum encompassing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Kou said, “The experience of living abroad will undoubtedly foster increased cross-cultural awareness.”

Professors Liang Kuang Chen and I Chen Hsu, visiting scholars of 2023-24 from NTNU, emphasized the transformative experiences and personal growth that students undergo. According to Chen and Hsu, students have improved their language proficiency, deepened intercultural understanding, broadened global perspectives, and enhanced interpersonal skills after completing the program.

A day in the life of a student participant 

Students experience a unique blend of language learning and cultural immersion through the scholarship programs. Each program day begins with Mandarin language classes in the morning, followed by cultural activities, such as calligraphy workshops, traditional tea ceremonies, and martial arts classes. This daily educational program combines classroom language learning with co-curricular activities, offering a holistic approach for students to improve their Chinese language while gaining an insight into the Taiwanese culture.

Before departing Penn State, NTNU MTC offers a wide range of support, including pre-departure orientations, language proficiency assessments, academic advising, visa and travel assistance, and health and safety advice. Upon arrival, students receive on-site orientation, academic guidance, housing assistance, and mental health support so their daily learning experiences will go efficiently.

Nicholas Groene, an undergraduate student pursuing double majors in Linguistics and Chinese at Penn State, said he had a “fantastic” experience studying abroad at NTNU. Driven by a deep passion for the Chinese language, Groene sought the scholarship program as a distinctive chance to engage in Chinese culture.

After arriving in Taiwan in the summer of 2023, he took Chinese lessons daily. Beyond the classroom, he participated in various activities and enjoyed the warm hospitality of the Taiwanese community. Groene encourages students to enroll in the scholarship program. 

“Just go for it," said Groene. "Apply, and you will secure your place in this incredible experience.”

NTNU faculty insights

Chen and Hsu shared valuable advice for students who intend to study at NTNU. They encouraged prospective students to take language learning seriously, dedicating time and effort to mastering Mandarin, as the language opens doors to a deeper understanding of the culture while preparing for a global career. After completing the scholarship program, they point out that one Penn State alumnus has chosen to work and live in Taiwan.

They encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new experiences. Additionally, they advised students to document their experiences through journaling and blogging, capturing their incredible journey abroad. Meanwhile, they underlined the importance of being respectful and culturally sensitive in Taiwan.

 “The Huayu Best exchange program offers our students a unique opportunity to engage in cross-cultural exchange, receive high-level language training, forge new friendships, and have unforgettable experiences abroad,” said Erica Brindley, head of the Asian Studies program at Penn State. “We are so grateful for this productive relationship with the NTNU and look forward to continued cooperation between the two universities in the years to come.”

For questions regarding NTNU scholarship programs, please contact Yupeng Kou at yqk5213@psu.edu, and for information to expand partnerships with NTNU, contact Anna Marshall, associate director for Asia partnerships, at awm15@psu.edu.