Taiwan is expanding its cooperation with schools in English-speaking countries.
That was the word from the Ministry of Education as it offers subsidies to local primary and junior high schools to set up ties with sister schools abroad.
This program is part of Taiwan’s Bilingual Nation 2030 plan, which aims to improve the English fluency of Taiwan’s young people. The Bilingual Nation plan includes a variety of programs that would increase exposure to English for students from the elementary to university level.
The ministry says that it will give subsidies to 70 schools that set up sister school programs in English-speaking countries.
The programs will include using video conferences to hold exchanges between sister schools. Exchanges will include classes and events covering arts and culture, as well as environmental issues.
Sister schools can also work together to offer exchanges in technical skills and language learning. In addition, they can organize online discussions and start pen pal partnerships.
The ministry says that schools can apply for subsidies of up to NT$600,000 (US$21,000) before the deadline of September 15. It says it plans to increase funding for these international exchanges in the future.