TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Education (MOE) announced on Sunday (Nov. 24) that the government has utilized technology to enhance the effectiveness of cultural exchanges in primary and secondary schools.

The education ministry plans to host two December training sessions in New Taipei for primary and secondary school teachers. The training includes exchange program introductions, lesson plan design, and experience sharing to help teachers with cultural exchange lessons, per CNA.

The ministry’s K-12 Education Administration said the training will feature a workshop on integrating AI technology into lesson design to make lessons more engaging. Training will also focus on using the International Exchange Window, a platform that facilitates communication between Taiwan and foreign schools. 

The administration said schools have been able to apply for subsidies under the School-based International Education Project for School Internationalization (SIEP-SI) since 2021. The subsidy, ranging from NT$200,000 (US$6,158) to NT$300,000, covers expenses related to cultural exchange, such as lecture fees, transportation fees, accommodation fees, meal expenses, venue fees, teaching materials, and equipment expenses.

As of Dec. 31, 2023, nearly 150 schools in Taiwan have received these subsidies and continue implementing cultural exchange programs.