National Taiwan Ocean University Mandarin Learning and Education Center

Background

In response to global educational trends and the increasing demand for Mandarin learning, National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU) established the Mandarin Learning & Education Center (MLEC) in 2013 under the Center for General Education.
On August 1, 2024, the MLEC was officially reorganized under the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The MLEC is dedicated to promoting Mandarin education, introducing traditional Chinese and Taiwanese maritime culture, and fostering international cultural and academic exchange.
Its primary mission is to provide a high-quality Mandarin learning environment for NTOU international students, exchange students, general foreign learners, and the wider community.
At the same time, the MLEC aligns with the Ministry of Education’s policy of academic internationalization, leveraging the university’s resources, faculty, and facilities to develop Mandarin teaching programs with unique features in marine technology and culture.
The center aims to establish a high-quality Mandarin learning environment in the Keelung–Taipei region and enhance Taiwan’s competitiveness in the global Mandarin education market.

Courses and Features

The MLEC offers both credit-bearing and non-credit Mandarin programs:

• Credit Courses:

  • Required courses: International Mandarin (I) to (VI)

  • Electives: Mandarin for Science and Technology, Exploring Chinese Culture, and Chinese Society & Cross-Cultural Communication

  • Occasional cross-cultural workshops

• Non-Credit Courses:

  • Semester intensive classes

  • Summer intensive classes

  • Pre-semester bridging programs

  • One-on-one tutoring

The MLEC also provides seasonal Mandarin courses, cultural workshops, summer intensive programs, and customized professional Mandarin training for organizations, companies, and institutions.

Our programs extend beyond the classroom—combining mobile learning and NTOU’s marine leisure courses with field activities. This approach integrates indoor and outdoor learning, strengthening the effectiveness of Mandarin acquisition.
Looking forward, the MLEC will also launch teacher training programs for both local and international learners, cultivating a pool of professional Mandarin instructors.

Faculty

The MLEC employs a team of highly qualified full-time and part-time instructors specializing in Teaching Mandarin as a Second Language. All faculty members hold strong academic backgrounds in Mandarin teaching and research, with extensive experience.
They also provide expertise in Mandarin proficiency testing and student counseling.

Additionally, the MLEC operates a language partner program, pairing international students with local students for one-on-one practice outside of class, further enhancing learning effectiveness.

Facilities

With years of experience in internationalization, NTOU provides excellent facilities for language learning, including:

• Language classrooms

• Digitally equipped smart classrooms

• Multimedia rooms

• Distance-learning classrooms

• Large lecture halls

Multifunctional classrooms in the Information and Communication Building feature flexible seating and advanced teaching equipment designed to encourage interaction and stimulate motivation in Mandarin learning.

Outlook

The Mandarin Learning & Education Center continues to design diverse Mandarin and cultural programs, combining NTOU’s expertise in marine sciences and regional cultural resources. Special emphasis is placed on marine technology and culture-oriented Mandarin instruction, as well as the development of marine professional Mandarin courses.

In line with global educational trends and the university’s internationalization strategy, the MLEC not only supports international students in improving their Mandarin proficiency but also encourages local and international students to pursue advanced Mandarin alongside their major studies—preparing them to engage globally.

Campus Environment

NTOU is located on the border of New Taipei City and Keelung, only 40 minutes from Taipei. The campus, surrounded by mountains and the sea, provides a scenic and inspiring environment. Nearby attractions include the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology, Jiufen, Jinguashi, and Heping Island.

In addition to classroom learning, students have opportunities to experience Keelung’s maritime culture firsthand, applying Mandarin in real-life contexts and strengthening communication through authentic cultural interaction.