On October 11, 2024, the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) invited the Education Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) to participate in a World Languages forum held at Brookland Middle School. The purpose of this event was to enhance the understanding of Washington, D.C. Mandarin teachers regarding developments in Taiwan's education and opportunities for exchange.
The event primarily attracted Mandarin teachers from middle and high schools. During the forum, Officer Robert Lee from the Education Division of TECRO presented four key topics: the Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL), the Twinning Program between Taiwan and U.S. primary and secondary schools, the short-term Mandarin Immersion Program for American students in Taiwan, and the employment of Mandarin teachers and assistants from Taiwan.
Teachers expressed particular interests in the Twinning Program and the Mandarin Immersion Program. Regarding the Twinning Program, they sought information about potential partner schools and opportunities for inter-school exchanges, sharing their own needs and expectations. For the Mandarin Immersion Program, teachers raised suggestions and inquiries about financial assistance, aiming to ensure that American students can experience a rich and engaging life in Taiwan while also enhancing their motivation and effectiveness in learning Mandarin.
To conclude the event, the Education Division prepared some small gifts for QA interaction to create a more vibrant atmosphere. Many teachers mentioned that they had previously taken students to Taiwan for exchanges multiple times, leaving them with wonderful experiences. Attendees expressed gratitude for the valuable information provided by the Education Division, finding it highly practical. They look forward to more collaborative opportunities in the future to strengthen Mandarin education between Taiwan and the United States. This collaboration aims to ensure that an increasing number of students benefit from diverse learning experiences.