The Ministry of Education plans to relax restrictions on foreigners' participation in the nation's education, the ministry said in its year-end press conference yesterday.
In the amendments to the Private School Law (私立學校法) the ministry sent to the Legislative Yuan for review, foreigners will be allowed to serve as private highschool principals or university presidents.
A new regulation is also included in the amendments, stipulating that private primary and secondary schools founded by ROC citizens are permitted to offer foreign-language courses or special programs, which can be attended by both Taiwanese and non-Taiwanese students.
This regulation will enable private schools to compete with Taiwan-based foreign schools, such as Taipei American School, as well as stimulating the educational atmosphere at a time when more Taiwanese people are taking an interest in learning foreign languages, according to a CNA report.
The ministry said, if passed on the legislative floor, the amendments can be implemented starting from the new semester this summer.
The amendments also stipulate that foreigners can account for no more than one half of the board of directors in private schools, up from a previous limit of no more than one-third.
Foreigners will be able to control the educational direction and contents of a private school, thereby working some influence with the nation's public schools, the ministry added.
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