TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) reinforced its dedication to Mandarin education for American students by co-hosting the U.S.-Taiwan Education Symposium in Philadelphia, Pa., on Friday (Nov. 22). The event, coinciding with the 2024 American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Annual Convention, brought together a Taiwan delegation and U.S. education leaders at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Key figures such as AIT/Washington Managing Director Ingrid Larson, FICHET Chairperson Dr. Cheng Chi Wu, OCAC Minister Chia Ching Hsu, and TECO New York Director-General Tom Chih-Chiang Lee addressed attendees. Larson underscored the role of subnational engagement in bolstering U.S.-Taiwan educational connections through diverse programs. The symposium facilitated discussions among education administrators, policymakers, and language experts on advancing Mandarin education.
The event culminated with a Memorandum of Understanding signed by FICHET Chairperson Dr. Cheng Chi Wu and ACTFL President Dr. L.J. Randolph Jr., witnessed by Larson and Lee. This agreement marked a significant step in promoting collaborative Mandarin education strategies. The U.S.-Taiwan Education Initiative aims to enhance language education and cultural exchange, fostering stronger ties for future generations. As both nations continue to collaborate, the focus remains on expanding educational opportunities and mutual understanding.