As global higher education increasingly emphasizes English-Medium Instruction (EMI) and intercultural competence, National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) continues to strengthen its bilingual learning environment and expand international partnerships. On Tuesday (11/19), the Office of Bilingual Education (OBE) and the Center for Academic Literacy (CAL) hosted a delegation from three U.S. universities (Columbia University, University of Maryland College Park, and Arizona State University), showcasing NTNU’s progress in EMI curriculum development, student support, and cross-cultural collaboration.

This visit aligns with a major recent development in Taiwan’s higher education sector—the Ministry of Education’s launch of the EMI TOEFL-Exemption Pilot Program. Under this initiative, students from four bilingual flagship universities, including NTNU, may apply to top U.S. institutions by completing a required proportion of EMI courses in Taiwan. This milestone reflects strong international recognition of Taiwan’s EMI quality. Reports also note that nearly 60% of NTNU students have taken EMI courses, underscoring students’ growing motivation to build language and intercultural capacity.

NTNU × Fulbright: Building a Comprehensive EMI Ecosystem

Since 2025, NTNU and the Fulbright Foundation have collaborated across multiple dimensions under the principle of “mutual support and shared growth,” jointly advancing student learning, faculty development, and cultural exchange.

• Student Support: In addition to CAL’s writing and speaking consultations, Fulbright provides advising on résumés, exchange and study-abroad applications, and test preparation. Fulbright fellows also join EMI classes—for example, serving as mock interviewees in qualitative research courses—to give students authentic English-use experiences.
• Faculty Development: Through coordinated efforts among OBE, the Foreign Languages Division, and the Center for Teaching and Learning Development, NTNU strengthens EMI course design, classroom language strategies, and academic resources, offering tailored pedagogical support for faculty at all stages.
• Cultural Exchange: Fulbright’s Skill Hub and Culture Hub series integrate professional skills with cultural learning, covering presentation skills, workplace communication, holiday traditions, and cross-cultural topics. Collaborative Thanksgiving and Christmas events with colleges further encourage natural English use in interactive settings.

Looking Ahead

The U.S. delegation’s visit highlights NTNU’s growing visibility in EMI innovation and international collaboration. Moving forward, NTNU will continue deepening its work with Fulbright, expanding interdisciplinary and cross-cultural initiatives, and cultivating globally competent learners equipped with strong language and intercultural skills.