Since becoming a Benchmark College in Engineering and Applied Sciences in 2024 (AY113), National Central University (NCU) has advanced toward a university-wide EMI (English as a Medium of Instruction) initiative. Over 57% of students in field-based colleges have reached CEFR B2 proficiency in listening and reading, while more than half of sophomores and 77% of first-year master’s students completed at least 20% of their credits through EMI courses. Survey results further confirmed no significant quality gap between EMI and Chinese-taught courses.
To strengthen EMI governance, the Bilingual Education Center joined the Office of International Affairs, and seven academic units now participate in EMI implementation, including Engineering, Science, Biotech & Biomedical Engineering, EECS, Management, Earth Sciences, Liberal Arts, and the General Education Center.
Distinctive features align with the national bilingual policy blueprint:
• Cutting-edge EMI programs in AI and semiconductors, such as the Engineering International Undergraduate Program and EECS credit programs.
• Industry-collaborative EMI courses in Science and Biotech fields.
• University-developed U-Academy platform and the AI+ Future Classroom to integrate AI into EMI teaching.
• Financial support extended to non-MOE-funded colleges, including Taiwan’s only College of Earth Sciences.
Key achievements include:
• Launch of the first all-English international undergraduate program.
• Popular Freshman English Seminar and tailored EAP/ESP resources.
• First EMI Teacher Training Camp and expanded teaching observation mechanisms.
• Outreach through the 2025 NCU AI Bilingual Learning Camp for high school students.
In conclusion, NCU’s EMI initiatives in AY113 lay a solid foundation for its goal of becoming a bilingual university by 2025, with strengthened administration, innovative policies, comprehensive student and faculty support, and robust quality assurance.