To cultivate overseas cultural teachers and cultural event planners, the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC), in collaboration with National Taiwan University of Sport (NTUS), is holding a two-week "2026 Taiwanese Culture and Folk Art Teaching Training Program " this summer. The opening ceremony was held on July 16th. The OCAC was represented by Chen Po-Chin, Deputy Director of the Department of Overseas Compatriot Education Affairs, while NTUS was represented by President Dr. Hsu Kuang-Piao. The OCAC welcomed the cultural seed teachers from around the world to Taiwan for the training and encouraged the participants to leverage this opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in cultural education and promotion, ultimately working together to pass on Taiwan's diverse cultural heritage overseas.

This year's training program brings together 56 cultural seed teachers from 18 countries across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Africa at the NTUS. Through hands-on practice and theoretical study, participants will master the essence of Taiwanese culture and folk arts. Students will select one of three specialized tracks—"Folk Arts," "Folk Sports," and "Folk Dance." The curriculum includes group freestyle diabolo, lion dance, traditional glove puppetry, Hakka indigo dyeing and straw weaving, as well as Hakka dance, fan dance, festive wedding dances, and dances incorporating indigenous elements. This year's core professional courses include cultural teaching and guided tours of Taiwanese tea ware and tea ceremony aesthetics, as well as a course on Taiwanese red turtle cake (Ang ku kueh), assisting participants in promoting Taiwanese culinary culture overseas. To strengthen the participants' foundation in promoting Taiwanese arts and culture, the program also includes courses on exhibition planning, overseas cultural promotion practices, introduction to Taiwan's diverse cultures, and the Protection Act for the Traditional Intellectual Creations of Indigenous Peoples. During the program, participants will also visit the Yunlin Hand Puppet Museum and Lukang Old Street to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan's historical architecture and the rich heritage of its ancient towns.

The momentum for learning Mandarin continues to grow around the world. This training program will enhance the practical teaching and event planning abilities of overseas cultural teachers through professional courses, ensuring the effectiveness of both language and cultural promotion. The OCAC hopes that the trainees will become a core force in overseas summer camps, cultural teaching activities, and various Taiwan cultural promotion activities, leading Mandarin learners worldwide to appreciate the diverse and enchanting cultural appeal, and working together to ensure Taiwan continues to shine on the international stage.