【Article by CLC】

As the global demand for Chinese language learning continues to grow, an increasing number of exceptional Chinese instructors from Taiwan are heading overseas to teach. To help future teachers get a clearer picture of what it’s really like to teach abroad, the Chinese Language Center at National Chengchi University (NCCUCLC) associating with UAAT-ICU Project (University Academy Alliance in Taiwan), hosted an inspiring talk on May 14, 2025. The event featured Lecturer Yixuan Jandová Chen from the Department of Asian Studies at Palacký University Olomouc, who shared her extensive experience in Chinese language education in Central Europe.

Lecturer Chen has been engaged in front-line Chinese teaching in the Czech Republic for many years. She is also a key figure in the UAAT-ICU, which is a cross-national initiative aimed at promoting industry-academia and Chinese language teaching. During her talk, she offered practical advice and honest insights drawn from her time abroad—especially valuable for those just starting their teaching careers overseas.

The lecture, titled “What Should You Prepare for a Teaching Internship? Lessons from the Czech Experience for First-Time Chinese Instructors”, took place in Room 104 of NCCU’s International Building. The event drew a full house, including the center’s faculty and students from NCCU’s Chinese teaching programs, as well as guests from outside the university who are interested in international teaching opportunities. Professor Hong-Ming Lin, Director of NCCU’s MA and PhD programs in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language, also attended to express his strong support for such international academic exchanges.

During the session, Lecturer Chen spoke openly about common challenges faced by new teachers abroad—like wide differences in students' Chinese levels, cultural misunderstandings in the classroom, and language barriers.

“Many students ask me: What should I prepare to teach overseas? Do I need to speak the local language? What materials should I bring? I had all these questions myself in the beginning,” she said. “Teaching in a country with a completely different language, culture, and educational system is more challenging than most people imagine. Being well-prepared is key to success.”

She offered in-depth guidance on the entire process—from internship applications, resume writing and interview strategies, to classroom management and teaching techniques. Chen emphasized the importance of adapting teaching content to local contexts and maintaining flexibility to foster student engagement.

“Czech students tend to be more reserved. They need extra encouragement and empathy to participate. Since I’m also learning Czech, I know what it feels like to struggle with a new language,” she shared. “I often tell them, ‘I got you!’ That simple show of understanding goes a long way in building trust and breaking through cultural barriers.”

She also offered hands-on teaching strategies, such as preparing backup lesson plans, using interactive games, and adding cultural activities to the classroom. Other key points included managing unexpected situations, maintaining positive student-teacher relationships, and looking after one’s mental health while teaching abroad, were also key elements she highlighted as part of sustainable teaching practice.

In short, Chen navigated for all beginners a “teaching roadmap” which more than just a personal story, it was a meaningful message of support for the next generation of Chinese educators.

Another highlight of the event was the visit of Professor Michaela Zahradníková, also from the Department of Asian Studies at Palacký University Olomouc, and a co-leader of the UAAT-ICU initiative. A long-time partner with NCCU’s Chinese Language Center, Professor Zahradníková expressed strong appreciation for the university’s ongoing efforts in cultivating outstanding teaching talent. She also looked forward to deepening future cooperation in areas such as student exchange, industry-academia collaboration, curriculum development, and teaching material design—furthering cross-cultural and industrial exchange between Taiwan and the Czech Republic through Mandarin education.

The event ended with a lively Q&A session. Participants asked thoughtful questions such as: “How do I choose the well-fit internship institution?”, “What are the essential requirements for applying to teach abroad?”, and “Are there opportunities for non-Chinese teaching majors?” Both Lecturer Chen and Professor Zahradníková responded warmly and thoroughly.

Many attendees left feeling inspired. Several said the talk helped them understand the real challenges, preparation needed for overseas teaching, and also deepened their understanding of confirming their desire to take this path as becoming a Chinese instructor.

“Now I’m more certain than ever that I want to teach Chinese overseas!” one student remarked.

Through this event, NCCU’s Chinese Language Center once again affirmed its pivotal role in the development of Mandarin education in Taiwan. By nurturing local talent and strengthening global connections, the center continues to lead efforts to bring Taiwanese Chinese teaching to the world, opening new frontiers for global Chinese education.