The rise of China and the launch of its ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative have sparked great interest in the study of Chinese (Mandarin) across the Asia Pacific region and in many parts of the world. Whether the attention given to the study of Chinese is due to the growing use of the language in trade and business with China or sheer fascination with Chinese language and culture, the interest is expected to continue. Over a hundred private schools (both international and foreign) have included Chinese in their education curriculum. However, teaching Chinese to non-native Chinese speakers is very different from teaching those whose mother tongue is Chinese. Hence, a different teaching methodology is required.

This teaching of Chinese to non-native Chinese speakers will be what is offered in the Bachelor of Education (Teaching Chinese as a Second Language). There is a high demand worldwide for people who can teach the language to non-native speakers of Chinese.

The Bachelor of Education (Teaching Chinese as a Second Language) is an interdisciplinary study that combines four key areas. Students will be required to complete compulsory subjects to enhance their knowledge in education and also modules that will help develop a deeper understanding of Chinese language, history and culture. Students in this course will have the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge acquired in an internship programme, either locally or overseas.