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English language education in Taiwan

Policy ambitions, pedagogical changes, global aspirations, and emerging trends

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 June 2025

Nguyen B. Ngoc Jade Open the ORCID record for Nguyen B. Ngoc Jade [Opens in a new window]
Nguyen B. Ngoc Jade*
Affiliation:
College of Management, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
*
Corresponding author: Nguyen B. Ngoc Jade; Email: dearjade@saturn.yzu.edu.tw
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Abstract

This article explores recent developments in English language education in Taiwan, situating them within broader sociopolitical shifts and demographic changes. It begins by outlining the emergence of English in Taiwan’s education system before presenting the formulation and objectives of the Bilingual 2030 policy. The article then analyzes how this national initiative has reshaped English language education across educational levels. In particular, it highlights the expansion of English–medium instruction (EMI) in higher education as a central feature of Taiwan’s bilingualization agenda. Finally, it discusses two key developments influenced by the policy: the internationalization of higher education as a response to demographic and policy pressures, and the resulting expansion of EMI courses as a central strategy for attracting global talent and sustaining university enrollment.

Keywords

Bilingual 2030Bilingualize higher educationEMIEnglish language educationlow birth rateTaiwan

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Shorter Article
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English Today , First View , pp. 1 - 7
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press.

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