TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Ministry of Education said Wednesday it has expanded an online English teaching program pairing college students with elementary school pupils through distance learning, per CNA.
Launched in 2021, the Digital Teaching to Improve English Proficiency for Students in Remote Areas Project encourages university students to serve as English tutors for children in rural communities. The initiative also aims to address disparities in English-learning resources.
According to an MOE press release, participation has grown steadily each year. By the 2025 academic year, the program had expanded to 100 schools, serving 2,117 elementary school students, with 351 college students participating as online teaching partners.
The initiative uses a one-on-one or one-on-three distance learning model combined with the Cool English online learning platform. Students in rural areas often have fewer opportunities to receive guidance from older peers, which can affect their confidence and willingness to learn and speak English.
Through the program, college students incorporate interactive games and alternative teaching methods to help younger students build vocabulary and practice conversational skills. The ministry said the approach helps create a supportive learning environment and gives students a sense of companionship in their studies.
Post-class surveys showed more than 85% of participating students said the program increased their interest in learning English, while over 60% reported greater willingness to speak English. Many students said they were no longer afraid of making mistakes and felt more confident speaking in a relaxed setting, the MOE said.
The ministry said it plans to continue promoting the program and hopes to further integrate digital technology with innovative teaching methods to give students across Taiwan equal access to English learning.
