Program for Indigenous Students

Undergraduate – Studies of Indigenous Cultural Development. B. A. Program

Graduate – Studies of Indigenous Cultural Development M. A. Program

Program Features

The main objective of this program is to cultivate professional skills related to the cultural and career development of indigenous people in Southern Taiwan. Based on an educational philosophy that aims to promote talent, develop potential, and give back to the tribe, the program courses focus on equipping indigenous students with skills for the development of tribal culture and the fostering of careers. Also, inspired by the concept of “tribal origins, tribal returns”, the goal is to make diverse cultural and Sustainability-based contributions to the tribe, society and to the nation.

 This program includes rich and diverse cultural elements and wisdom from indigenous culture, and integrates resources from local tribes. The professional bachelor’s degree course design incorporates curriculum on “Cultural Development” and “Core courses”.  In the Master’s Program, “culture and industry” and “language education” are given curricular focus. Students who participate in the program are strongly encouraged to take part in indigenous language education and elementary school education courses. Master’s students are also encouraged to take part in post-bachelor mother tongue education courses created in cooperation with the Ministry of Education for the purpose of cultivating future professional teachers of indigenous languages.

Students who have completed their courses of study will be provided with guidance on taking examinations for positions with Indigenous Affairs or educational organizations, as well as for staring businesses or finding employment back in their hometowns. Graduate students are encouraged to conduct research and make connections with overseas indigenous industries. Through their research, the students can identify ecosystem and cultural based business opportunities, create international industry cooperation and make connections for Taiwan’s indigenous people.

In summary, the specialized program comprises three objectives:

1. Cultivate professional talent for the advancement of diverse social development and the strengthening of diversified cultural development.
2. Cultivate tribally mobile professionals with skills related to cultural knowledge, strategy, evaluations, execution and creation.
3. Cultivate professionals in indigenous people’s education with cultural knowhow and teaching skills.

Course Design

Diagram of Curricular Structure.

Faculty Lineup

The specialized program was jointly established through the cooperation of multiple colleges. Currently, in addition to the 5 PhD-holding, full-time faculty members (3 of whom are of indigenous heritage), professionals with related expertise from the Department of Cultural and Creative Industries, Department of Physical Education, Department of Visual Arts, Department of Music, and Department of Social Development are providing additional support to the program as part-time faculty. As the course develops, teachers will gradually be added to enrich the line-up. 

Student Career Paths

1. Advanced Studies: Pursue Master’s and PhD degrees related to language, education, indigenous studies, anthropology, social sciences or leisure industries, domestically or abroad.
2. Careers:
   • Government Agencies: Serve as an official at an indigenous culture-related agency. Engaged in work related to management, services and/or event planning. Work on national government project with an indigenous services agency, such as a cultural association or tribal development association.
   • Educational Organizations: Serve as a subject teacher or indigenous language teacher in Indigenous or non-Indigenous localities.
   • Private Industry: Work in cultural industries, social welfare, media, business, human resources management, marketing or public opinion in Indigenous or non-Indigenous localities.
   • Third Sector: Join a non-governmental organization (NGO) or work at a non-for profit organization.
   • Entrepreneurship: Set up a studio and apply for subsidies related to indigenous cultural and industrial development projects in the public or private sector.
3. Public Servant Examination: Prepare for the National Indigenous People’s Examination and work in an indigenous locality or at a related agency.

TEL：08-7663800#35801

E-mail：tzgladys@mail.nptu.edu.tw

http://www.indigenous.nptu.edu.tw