National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST) has made significant progress since the initiation of its bilingual initiatives. In alignment with the national bilingual policy, NKUST has undertaken the strategic implementation of the "2028 Bilingual University Promotion Plan." This comprehensive plan is designed to augment students' proficiency in the English language, normalize English-language instruction, and foster the establishment of an English-friendly campus environment.

1.Create an English-friendly campus environment

The paramount importance of effective communication in reaching a consensus across the university on bilingual objectives cannot be overstated. In the initial phase, NKUST directed its attention towards fostering transparent communication between teachers and students, thereby cultivating a shared comprehension of the vision for bilingual development. For teachers, elucidation of the bilingual policy transpired through curriculum committees, academic meetings, and specialized teaching competence training sessions. Furthermore, the Bilingual Education Promotion Center convened regular meetings to explicate strategies, monitor progress, and invite external advisory committee members to provide recommendations on bilingual promotion strategies and ensure both administrative and teaching units move forward together. 

As for students, NKUST actively organized communication sessions to articulate the institution's unwavering commitment and direction in bilingual education. In order to elicit student opinions and perspectives and utilize them as a reference for the promotion of bilingual education, the Bilingual Education Promotion Center developed a questionnaire, encompassing a comprehensive survey and analysis directed at both teachers and students. Through this survey, the center identified the opportunities and challenges associated with the promotion of bilingual education. Subsequently, strategic adjustments were made to address the difficulties and concerns faced by teachers and students, aiming to alleviate apprehensions related to EMI teaching and learning.

2.Normalize English instruction

In its commitment to uphold the quality of EMI courses, NKUST has instituted a robust internal EMI course quality assurance system. Effectively implemented from the academic year 2023 onwards, this system mandates that teachers seeking subsidies for EMI courses acquire an EMI training certificate, which must be approved by the Academic Affairs Office or accredited by internationally recognized organizations. NKUST actively encourages faculty members to partake in EMI training courses as part of a deliberate effort to augment their proficiency in English teaching methodologies. To incentivize teachers to offer EMI courses, the university offers double hourly pay for teachers teaching EMI courses, or alternatively, a service fee amounting to NT$50,000. In the academic year 2023, the total number of EMI courses increased to 196, representing an 11% rise compared to the 177 courses offered in the academic year 2022. To further fortify the quality assurance framework, all courses applying for subsidies must undergo a rigorous course review process comprising three levels and three reviews. Additionally, the teaching evaluation scores from the student surveys conducted during the previous two instances of the respective instructor's course must meet specified standards.

In an endeavor to foster a dynamic exchange of EMI teaching expertise, NKUST orchestrated EMI teaching observation activities. These sessions were instrumental in facilitating the sharing of teaching skills among both internal and external faculty members. Notably, the Bilingual Education Promotion Center extended invitations to external educators possessing significant experience in EMI teaching to partake as observers in these activities. It is crucial to underscore that the primary objective of these observation events was not evaluative in nature but rather focused on creating a constructive space for communication and knowledge-sharing, which proved to be well-received among EMI teachers, indirectly motivating others to engage in similar initiatives. Throughout the academic year 2023, a total of thirteen teaching observation events were conducted, marking a significant contribution to the overall enhancement of the quality of EMI courses at NKUST.

3.提升學生英語能力Enhance students' English proficiency

NKUST has persistently elevated the English proficiency of its students through the implementation of graded small-class teaching. This pedagogical approach involves the classification of classes according to students' proficiency levels, a strategy designed to alleviate English learning anxiety and enable teachers to tailor their teaching methods to the unique abilities of their students. Plus, to foster the linguistic development of students, the university provides an array of language certificate classes, including those aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) at levels B1, B2, and advanced stages. These courses are designed to facilitate students in successfully navigating English proficiency tests. Furthermore, upon attaining specified proficiency levels in designated assessments, students are eligible for financial support to offset examination fees. This multifaceted approach is aimed at holistically enhancing the English proficiency of all students.

The augmentation of English reading resources has been systematically advanced at NKUST through the establishment of the "Extensive English Reading Platform." This platform serves as a dynamic repository, providing students and teachers with access to a diverse array of English reading materials. The platform additionally empowers teachers to construct English question banks, facilitating the assessment of students' reading comprehension skills and also fostering a balanced development of their listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities.

NKUST has actively cultivated a vibrant English language learning environment through the organization of English contests and book clubs. These initiatives are strategically designed to stimulate students' English communication skills and foster creative thinking. A diverse range of competitions, including English audio-visual content creation, English speech contests, and poetry recitation contests, has been meticulously organized. These contests serve as a platform for students to exhibit their accomplishments in English language acquisition. Concurrently, the book clubs, facilitated by foreign teachers, have established an interactive and dynamic learning environment. Functioning as discussion forums, these clubs cultivate a collaborative environment aimed at enhancing students' English communication skills.

The effectiveness of NKUST’s bilingual university promotion plan is distinctly discernible through a substantial increase in both the quantity of EMI courses and the enrollment of students therein. In the academic year 2022, EMI courses represented 0.8% of undergraduate offerings, 11% of master's courses, and 18.43% of doctoral programs. Witnessing a notable ascent in the academic year 2023, these figures expanded to 2.34% for undergraduate courses, 11.33% for master's programs, and 19.95% for doctoral courses. Furthermore, the percentage of sophomores enrolled in EMI courses increased from 3.2% in the academic year 2022 to 4.2% in the academic year 2023. Similarly, for first-year master's students, the proportion escalated from 28% to 38%.

NKUST remains steadfast in its unwavering commitment to cultivating talent that aligns seamlessly with the expectations of international industries. In pursuit of this objective, NKUST has diligently endeavored to establish a robust framework for bilingual education. The university aspires to achieve this by employing meticulous curriculum planning, with a specific emphasis on the normalization of English as a medium for instruction (EMI). Through the strategic implementation of bilingual education initiatives, NKUST aims to not only impart knowledge but also to enhance students' international competitiveness. By fostering a bilingual atmosphere, the university seeks to create an environment that encourages students to step onto the global stage with confidence. The comprehensive approach to curriculum development underscores NKUST's dedication to providing students with the tools and skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and internationalized world.