WKU News

The Department of Modern Languages’ Chinese Flagship Program has renewed their four-year $1.5 million grant with The Language Flagship, an initiative of the National Security Education Program within the Defense Language and National Security Education Office.

The federally funded program offers students an affordable, high-quality undergraduate education that combines the study of Mandarin Chinese with rigorous academics in an engaged Honors community setting. Founded in 2009, it is the only one of its kind in the state of Kentucky.

All students participating in the program are affiliated with the Mahurin Honors College and pursue a secondary major. Students may start the program with no prior knowledge of Chinese and will engage in language classes five days a week, receiving weekly one-on-one tutoring with native speakers.

Upon reaching the Advanced-Mid level of proficiency, students apply for participation in a Capstone Year in Taipei, Taiwan or at the domestic Capstone Year location in Monterey, California. The Capstone Year includes advanced level Chinese coursework, direct enrollment courses in a student's field of study, and a professional internship. Students who complete this requirement and test at the Superior level will become Certified Global Professionals through the National Security Education Program.

“I take great pride in our dedicated team, program culture, and strong institutional support. Our program empowers students to master Mandarin, unlocking high-impact careers in global business, diplomacy, and industry,” says Dr. Ke Peng, Director of the Chinese Flagship Program. “With grant-supported individualized tutoring and opportunities for study abroad, our students gain invaluable cultural insights and professional connections, positioning them to excel in competitive fields. I encourage motivated students to join our program. You will love it here.”

Operating in a cohort model, students will complete a full four years in the program. Additionally, freshmen have the opportunity of living in the Chinese Flagship Living Learning Community (LLC), a unique housing option where residents will deepen their knowledge of and immerse themselves in Chinese language and culture through a variety of exclusive events.

As one of the most spoken languages in the world, Chinese is a critical language for students pursuing a career in the fields of government, global business, economics, national security, nongovernmental organizations, natural sciences, performing arts, and diplomacy. Participation in this program equips students with language proficiency and intercultural insights, expanding their career prospects in the public and private sectors.

“Being part of Chinese Flagship has been a transformative experience and a defining aspect of my time in college,” says Carolyn Brueggemann, a 2024 graduate of the program. “Before starting Flagship classes, I knew nothing about the Chinese language, culture, and history. Now, I can discuss complex topics, including Chinese and Taiwanese history and culture, in Chinese. Apart from growing academically and professionally, I have made incredible memories and lifelong friendships with other Flagship students and friends from abroad.”

The Chinese Flagship Program is currently accepting applications for their 2025-2026 cohort. If you are interested, please contact chineseflagship@wku.edu.