This summer, the Chinese Language Center of the Office of Continuing Education at Tamkang University offered various Chinese language courses. In collaboration with the U.S. Department of State and Department of Defense, the program was designed to promote international exchanges by providing tailored Chinese language courses. On the evening of July 11, a grand joint welcome reception was held for the 133 American youths studying at Tamkang University at the Fullon Hotel Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf. On July 16, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) invited them for a visit and exchange, accompanied by Vice President for International Affairs Hsiao-Chuan Chen and Dean of International Affairs Chien-Mu Yeh. AIT recognized the success of Tamkang University's Chinese language programs.

AIT Acting Public Diplomacy Section Chief Harvey Sernovitz warmly received the group and encouraged the young students who are diligently studying Chinese in Taiwan. He also expressed special thanks to Tamkang University, stating, “For consistently undertaking Chinese language exchange programs with U.S. government agencies, and for setting a new record in student numbers this year, making it an important hub for promoting language exchange between Taiwan and the U.S.”

The Chinese Language Center at Tamkang University stated that a total of 133 American students participated in the summer courses, making our center the largest overseas Chinese language program partner for the U.S. It is a great honor to undertake this responsibility, and we also appreciate the encouragement and support from AIT officials.

This summer, the Chinese Language Center at the Tamsui campus offered 5 Chinese language courses, including 29 students from the U.S. Department of State's Critical Language Scholarship Program (CLS), 29 high school students from the National Security Language Initiative for Youth Program (NSLI-Y), 19 participants from the U.S. Department of Defense's TKU Flagship Program, 12 from the UM Flagship Program, 22 from the U.S. Department of Defense's Project Go Program, and 22 students from the Taiwan Intensive Summer and Semester Language Program, which is co-organized by American Councils and the Ministry of Education. In total, there were 133 participants across these 5 groups.

Harvey Sernovitz delivered a speech at the welcome reception hosted by Tamkang University, greeting the outstanding American students who came to Taiwan to study Chinese. These students received scholarships from U.S. government-led language exchange programs, allowing them to come to Taiwan. Although several AIT officials could not be present, they participated in an online discussion with these summer Chinese language exchange students, sharing experiences about living in Taiwan as U.S. diplomats, career planning, and insights on U.S. foreign policy. The officials were pleased to see so many young American students choosing Taiwan as their destination for language study, noting that Taiwan, with its vibrant, friendly, democratic, and open society, is an excellent place for learning. Harvey Sernovitz wished the students success, safety, and a fulfilling, meaningful experience during their studies in Taiwan.

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