LANGUAGE CENTER · NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF KAOHSIUNG

About the Language Center

Language Learning・International Exchange・Cultural Experiences

Introduction

The Language Center was established on August 20, 2002. It is dedicated to developing a comprehensive teaching and learning environment for English, other foreign languages, and Mandarin Chinese; integrating diverse learning resources; and providing high-quality language learning and continuing education services for NUK faculty members and students, overseas Chinese and international students, exchange students, and members of the general public.

Foreign Language Teaching Division

The Division offers courses in English, second foreign languages, language proficiency test preparation, and professional development, as well as commissioned training programs for government agencies, schools, businesses, and organizations.

Mandarin Chinese Teaching Division

The Division offers General Mandarin, Applied Mandarin, Workplace Mandarin, corporate programs, and industry-specific customized Mandarin courses.

Foreign Language Teaching Division

Foreign Language Teaching Division

The Foreign Language Teaching Division offers a diverse range of language courses covering everyday conversation, language proficiency test preparation, workplace applications, and second foreign language learning. These courses help learners improve their language proficiency and practical communication skills according to their individual needs.

English Courses

Courses include English conversation, English writing, workplace English, and business English, with an emphasis on developing practical communication and application skills.

Second Foreign Language Courses

Courses include Japanese, Korean, French, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Spanish, and other languages, providing learners with a diverse range of language-learning options.

Language Proficiency Test Preparation Courses

Courses include preparation for the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), General English Proficiency Test (GEPT), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), together with related mock examinations and test-taking training.

Courses include English for Workplace Professionals, English for Industry and Commerce, Business English Translation and Writing, Fundamentals of Chinese-English Translation, and Current Affairs English for Emerging Industries, helping working professionals strengthen their language skills and competitiveness in the workplace.

Programs are designed according to the needs of government agencies, schools, businesses, or organizations and may include English conversation, business English, business presentations in English, TOEIC preparation, GEPT preparation, fundamental business English writing, Chinese-English translation, and other professional English courses.

Mandarin Chinese Teaching Division

Mandarin Chinese Teaching Division

The Mandarin Chinese Teaching Division primarily serves international students, foreign nationals residing in Taiwan, foreign employees of businesses, and groups with Mandarin-learning needs. Courses are offered in small-class, one-on-one, or customized group formats, with an emphasis on individual learner needs and classroom interaction. The Division helps learners improve their Mandarin proficiency, workplace communication skills, and ability to use Mandarin in everyday life.

The Center's Mandarin Chinese courses are organized at elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels according to learners' proficiency and learning objectives. Each level develops listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, with course content progressively adjusted to match learners' proficiency. In addition to General Mandarin courses, the Center may offer Presentation Skills in Mandarin, Accelerated Mandarin for Absolute Beginners, Workplace Mandarin, and industry-specific customized Mandarin courses according to the needs of learners or businesses.

Elementary Mandarin｜Elementary Mandarin

Basic vocabulary and pronunciation, fundamental sentence structures and grammar, and everyday conversation.

Intermediate Mandarin｜Intermediate Mandarin

Everyday conversation, spoken expression training, selected short readings, and writing practice.

Advanced Mandarin｜Advanced Mandarin

Advanced reading, writing training, listening comprehension, and topic-based oral expression.

• Media Mandarin (Media Mandarin): Uses instructional materials such as newspapers, magazines, radio broadcasts, and news reports to improve learners' listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
• Business Mandarin (Business Mandarin): Covers language used in business settings, business correspondence, and practical Mandarin conversation.
• Presentation Skills in Mandarin (Presentation Skills in Mandarin): Trains learners to structure presentations, deliver oral presentations, explain information, and participate in question-and-answer sessions in Mandarin, strengthening their Mandarin presentation skills for academic, professional, or corporate settings.
• Computing and Writing in Mandarin (Computing and Writing in Mandarin): Develops familiarity with Chinese-language word processing and basic computer applications, including Word and Excel.
• Basic Mandarin Writing (Basic Mandarin Writing): Strengthens Chinese sentence organization, paragraph writing, and written expression skills.

Accelerated Mandarin for Absolute Beginners

Designed for learners with no prior knowledge of Mandarin or those encountering the language for the first time, this accelerated introductory course covers basic pronunciation, commonly used vocabulary, everyday conversation, and practical sentence patterns, helping learners establish fundamental communication skills within a short period.

Workplace Mandarin Courses

Course content is designed according to the needs of businesses or organizations and may cover workplace communication, comprehension of work instructions, meeting conversations, customer reception, workplace safety terminology, and cross-cultural communication, helping foreign employees adapt to their working environments.

Industry-Specific Customized Mandarin Courses

Customized courses can be developed according to the needs of different industries, including the semiconductor industry, manufacturing, the screw and fastener industry, traditional industries, and the service sector. Industry-specific vocabulary, workplace scenarios, on-site communication, and practical requirements are incorporated into the course design.

Commissioned Training Programs for Groups and Institutions

The Center accepts commissions from government agencies, schools, businesses, and various organizations to develop Mandarin Chinese training programs according to learners' proficiency levels, course objectives, instructional hours, and venue requirements.

Multicultural Activities and Experiential Learning

Cultural Activities and Experiential Learning

In addition to language courses, the Language Center actively organizes a diverse range of cultural activities that extend language learning beyond the classroom. These activities allow learners to experience culture and use language in authentic settings while deepening their understanding of Taiwanese society and local life.

Off-campus learning and cultural visits, on-campus themed festival activities, Taiwanese festival and holiday cultural experiences, ecological and local cultural exploration, cultural walking tours, and guided local tours.

Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage Cultural Experience Program

Combining cultural instruction with on-site participation, this program brings international students into the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage. Through observation, interaction, and active participation, students gain an understanding of Taiwan's folk beliefs and religious culture while improving their practical Mandarin and cross-cultural communication skills in an authentic setting.

Dumpling-Making Cultural Experience for International Students

Held during the Lunar New Year period, this activity invites international students to make dumplings by hand, experience Taiwanese festive culture, and communicate in Mandarin throughout the activity.

Maolin Ecological and Cultural Walking Tour

Held during the purple crow butterfly migration season, this activity brings international students to the Maolin National Scenic Area. By combining ecological interpretation with Indigenous cultural experiences, students learn about Taiwan's distinctive natural environment and cultural heritage.

Taiwanese Baseball Cultural Experience

International students are invited to attend a Chinese Professional Baseball League game at Chengcing Lake Baseball Stadium in Kaohsiung. Through live cheering, interaction with fans, and the shared experience of watching the game, students experience firsthand the enthusiasm surrounding baseball culture and professional sports in Taiwan. The activity also guides students in observing industry-related aspects such as venue operations, event planning, brand marketing, media promotion, and customer service, extending language learning into the contexts of sports culture, local life, and the workplace.

Let Language Serve as a Bridge Connecting the World, Cultures, and Everyday Life

Connecting language learning with people, cultures, and communities