Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning-Minnesota (TCML-MN) is proud to announce that two of its outstanding students, Michael Woodard and Arely Zimmermann, have been awarded highly competitive scholarships from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education. Michael received the Huayu Enrichment Scholarship (HES), and Arely was granted the Taiwan Scholarship. These awards reflect their hard work, dedication, and passion for global language and culture. Both students will travel to Taiwan this fall to begin a new chapter in their academic and personal journeys.
Michael, a student from Class L203, is the first TCML-MN student to be awarded the HES scholarship. He joined TCML-MN last year and quickly became known for his enthusiasm and commitment to learning Mandarin. From speech competitions to cultural celebrations, Michael has always gone above and beyond to immerse himself in the language. “At first, learning Mandarin felt intimidating,” he said. “But over time, I realized that making mistakes is just part of the process. I’m deeply grateful for the support of my teachers and classmates who encouraged me every step of the way.”
Michael will attend Tunghai University in Taiwan for six months of intensive language study. He is particularly excited about experiencing daily life in Taiwan and hopes to gain a deeper understanding of its culture, history, and society. “This scholarship is not just about language. It’s about growth, exploration, and connecting with people from different backgrounds,” he shared. Michael hopes this experience will pave the way for him to better understand Taiwanese culture during his language journey.
Arely, a student in Class L407, was awarded the prestigious Taiwan Scholarship and will begin a master’s degree program at National Taiwan University. This scholarship includes NT$40,000 (approximately $1,300 USD) per semester for tuition and a monthly living stipend of NT$20,000 (approximately $650 USD). Arely joined TCML-MN in the fall of last year and quickly distinguished herself through her academic excellence and active participation in cultural events.
Reflecting on her journey, Arely said, “When I first started learning Mandarin, I was nervous about speaking and making mistakes. But through continuous effort and encouragement, I grew more confident. I never imagined that one day I’d be pursuing a graduate degree in Taiwan!” She also successfully passed the TOCFL B3 test, a key requirement for her graduate program. She especially credits her teachers at TCML-MN for their patience and support, which helped her build confidence. Arely plans to focus on the study of Taiwanese literature and hopes to contribute to education and cultural exchange in the future.
TCML-MN Director Ms. Pei-Wen Fang expressed great pride in both students: “Their achievements are a testament to what passion, resilience, and community support can accomplish. They embody TCML-MN’s mission to not only teach the language but also promote Taiwanese culture and cultivate global citizens with empathy and leadership.”
As Michael and Arely prepare to embark on this exciting journey, the TCML-MN community celebrates their success and looks forward to hearing about their experiences abroad. Their stories serve as an inspiration to all students who dare to dream beyond the classroom.
