TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning program will establish its first three centers in Canada next year.

In Canada, Tzu Chi Academy for the Humanities in Vancouver, Union Mandarin School, and Tzu Chi Academy North Toronto will each operate a TCML branch, per CNA. TCML centers are for adults ages 18 and older. To prepare for classes beginning in January, the schools are promoting enrollment, organizing teaching materials, and designing curricula.

Miao Wan-hui (苗萬輝), executive director of Tzu Chi Canada, said many parents have already inquired about registration. Many incoming students come from non-Mandarin-speaking families, and their parents have always wanted to learn, Miao said, adding that the Mandarin centers create a space for parents and children to learn together.

Wang Miao-ru (王妙如), executive director of the Union Mandarin School TCML, said another benefit is that students who finish 12th grade in local Mandarin schools can continue learning in a Mandarin environment afterward.

Guo Shu-zhen (郭淑貞), director of Taiwan’s Vancouver Overseas Community Affairs Council office, said the centers will include language instruction as well as Taiwanese cultural courses. Students can experience traditional Taiwanese folk culture and enjoy Taiwanese cuisine, she said.

Each Canadian TCML will employ its own methods to enhance Mandarin education. For example, Tzu Chi will incorporate Jing Si Aphorisms into lessons, promoting kindness and positive values through language learning. Meanwhile, Union Mandarin School plans to integrate AI technology into its curriculum to showcase Taiwan’s tech capabilities.

In recent years, several Confucius Institutes funded by China have closed across Canada, though a few remain active, including one in Coquitlam, per CNA.

Guo said TCMLs are not meant to compete with Confucius Institutes. “Taiwan’s greatest strength lies in its free and diverse learning environment.”

The TCML program was established by the OCAC in 2021, according to its website. Mandarin centers will also open in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan next year.