New intensive language study abroad program in Taiwan teaches Mandarin

FIU students are studying Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan as part of a new study abroad program. The four are attending a four-week intensive-language program at Shih Chien University (SCU) Chinese Language Center in Taipei. Each student received a $2,500 stipend from the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy to support their participation.

The program was created after FIU signed an agreement with the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Miami to advance the relationship between Taiwan and South Florida. Earlier this year, the state of Florida passed a bill establishing a sister-state partnership with Taiwan that encourages bilateral economic and cultural ties. FIU and SCU will also explore the possibility of jointly offering courses in disciplines such as hospitality and tourism management, cybersecurity and business, among others.

Leland Lazarus, professor of practice and associate director of national security policy at the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy – and a China expert fluent in Mandarin – worked with FIU’s study abroad team, the Asian Studies Program, Modern Languages Department and Green School Dean Shlomi Dinar to create the program.

“FIU is excited to partner with Shih Chien University, Taiwan’s top-rated institution for hotel management and hospitality and their comprehensive Mandarin language program,” said Lazarus. “Shih Chien will help connect our students and faculty with one of the most important democracies in the world. We look forward to further deepening this comprehensive partnership over the next months and years.”

Carmen Ordonez, who is majoring in international and political science, is excited to be participating in the program. “I was not sure which study abroad program I wanted to pursue,” she said. “This one came up and fits well, as I want to immerse myself in Asian culture.”

Mikele Mancuso, who majors in international relations and Asian studies, will stay in Taiwan and continue to study Chinese at another university for the rest of the year. He learned about the program while take an Honors College course with Lazarus. “He encouraged our class to experience Taiwan firsthand.”

During a send-off event and dinner, the TECO Miami Director General Charles Chou encouraged the students to meet local Taiwanese young people and tell them about studying in Florida. “While in Taiwan, you won’t just represent FIU. You’ll represent Florida,” he said. “You’re going to be cultural ambassadors for your university and your state.”