Building Resilient Chinese Programs: Grassroots Wisdom from Eight Educators
Professor Ke Peng from Western Kentucky University is a member of Cheng & Tsui's Higher Education Advisory Council.
Imagine two lively Zoom calls with eight educators from across the U.S., each representing a different institution (some public, some private), as they swap stories, sip tea, and dive into the gritty realities of teaching Chinese as a foreign language. That’s where this blog post was born. As someone who’s spent years in the trenches of language education, I couldn’t help but feel a spark of excitement listening to these passionate professionals unpack the challenges and opportunities shaping our field. Here are our observations—a blend of practical strategies, personal insights, and a dash of fun to keep Chinese programs thriving in today’s unpredictable world.
The Lay of the Land: Public vs. Private Challenges
Public Universities: Battling the Budget Beast If you’ve ever taught at a public institution, you know the drill: funding cuts hit like unexpected plot twists. One professor shared how her department’s budget shrank faster than a poorly planned lesson, leaving the department scrambling to keep faculty and courses afloat. Enrollment pressures don’t help either—this vicious cycle means fewer students lead to tighter funds, which then spook more students away. Staffing challenges present another hurdle. Another colleague quipped, “We’re juggling workloads like circus performers, minus the applause.” Fewer full-time faculty and overstretched teaching assistants create a recipe for burnout.
Private Universities: Riding the Waves of Change Meanwhile, over at private schools, the vibe is different but no less tricky. One professor noted a seismic shift in student interests—fewer non-heritage learners chasing business fluency; more heritage students craving cultural connections. It’s a pivot that’s left some programs recalibrating fast. Then there’s the admin rollercoaster: when leadership is all in, things soar; when it’s not, good luck. Community-building is another puzzle—students often splinter into tiny cliques, leaving cultural events feeling like ghost towns. One educator laughed, “It’s like herding cats, but with less fur.”
Opportunities: Turning Lemons into Bubble Tea
Public Universities: Innovate or Bust Here’s where the public crew gets creative. Why not hook students with courses like “Medical Chinese,” “Chinese Calligraphy,” or “Martial Arts and Language”? One educator’s already piloting this—it’s boosting enrollment and keeping things fresh. Tech is a game-changer, too—think AI-driven apps tailoring lessons to each learner’s pace. And how about teaming up with engineering or business departments for double majors? “It’s like adding soy sauce to noodles,” someone chimed in. “Everything’s better together.”
Private Universities: Playing the Long Game Private institutions have their own aces up their sleeves. Alumni networks? Goldmines. One professor shared how tapping grads for mentorship gigs has students buzzing about career prospects. Social media is another win—snappy posts about Chinese culture are reeling in community-minded prospects. And micro-credentials? They’re like bite-sized dumplings of learning—perfect for students hungry for niche skills without committing to a full buffet.
Engagement Hacks: Keeping the Spark Alive
Public Universities: Rally the Village It takes a village, right? Engaging parents, admins, and local communities can turn lukewarm support into a cheering squad. Flexible options—like online classes or lighter credit loads—make Chinese accessible to busy students, too. But the real MVP? Visionary leaders. One educator recounted how her chair’s relentless advocacy kept their program afloat despite budget woes. “She’s our superhero,” she said, “cape optional.”
Private Universities: Culture is King Over in private land, tweaking the curriculum to spotlight culture is keeping numbers steady. Another trick? Slick promo materials for advisors who barely know “ni hao” from “xie xie”—it’s steering more students toward these programs. And bigger community events? They’re knitting those fragmented groups into a tighter, prouder crew. “We threw a Lunar New Year bash,” one shared. “Suddenly, everyone’s family.”
The Big Picture: Thriving, Not Just Surviving
Here’s the takeaway from our eight-way chat: resilience isn’t one-size-fits-all. Public programs need innovation and grit to dodge budget bullets; private ones need to flex with shifting tides and build community cred. But across the board, it’s about curricular flair, smart recruitment, and making students feel like they belong—whether they’re decoding tones online or belting karaoke at a culture night.
As I reflect on our discussion, I’m struck by how much we’re in this together. Teaching Chinese isn’t just about grammar drills or vocab lists—it’s about sparking curiosity, bridging worlds, and adapting with a smile. So, fellow educators, let’s keep collaborating, brainstorming, and maybe even sharing a virtual tea or two. The future of Chinese programs? It’s bright—if we develop our leadership skills and make it so.
What’s your take? Drop a comment—I’d love to keep this conversation rolling!
Special Thanks
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the educators who contributed to our conversation. Their insights and expertise were invaluable. I appreciate Hua Dong from Northeastern University; Hsiao-Yun Liao from the University of Southern California; Ya-Chuan Chou from Duke University; Pei-Chia Chen from the University of California, San Diego; Ying Feng from Pennsylvania State University; Zhiyin Dong from the University of Delaware; and Peng Yu from the University of New Mexico. Your dedication to advancing language education and your collaborative spirit have greatly enriched our discussions. Thank you for your contributions!
Cheng & Tsui Higher Education Advisory Council
To stay at the forefront of language education as part of our shared mission of ‘bringing Asia to the world,’ Cheng & Tsui has established the Higher Education Advisory Council—an expert group of educators dedicated to working with us to help shape the future of our Asian-language and culture publishing projects. By collaborating with leading instructors and program directors, we seek to ensure that our resources reflect the real needs of the classroom, meet evolving curriculum standards, and respond to emerging trends in language teaching and learning.
The Council provides ongoing insight into pedagogy and the evolving landscape to guide Cheng & Tsui’s innovative, culturally authentic programs that support both students and instructors.
Members of the Chinese Language Advisory Council
- Jianling Liao, Arizona State University
- Yi-Hsien Liu, University of Southern California
- Ke Peng, Western Kentucky University
- Zhongqi Shi, Columbia University
- Feng Xiao, Pomona College
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