Abstract
Purpose – This study investigates the challenges faced by Vietnamese master’s students enrolled
in bilingual and English-Medium Instruction (EMI) programs in Taiwan. It examines how
institutional, linguistic, cultural, financial, and health-related factors shape their academic and
social adaptation within the bilingualization framework of Taiwan’s Bilingual 2030 Policy
(BN2030). By doing so, it highlights implementation gaps and the sociolinguistic tensions
embedded in Taiwan’s push for bilingual higher education.
Design/methodology/approach – A mixed-methods design was employed. Six semi-structured
interviews with Vietnamese master’s students were analyzed using thematic analysis to capture
lived experiences. To complement these qualitative insights, Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA)
topic modeling was applied to the interview transcripts, enabling computational validation of
emerging themes. The research adapts Cheung’s (2013) Transactional Acculturation Stress and
Adjustment Model (TASAM) to interpret the dynamic process of adaptation.
Findings – Four major challenges emerged: socio-cultural adjustment, academic challenges,
financial constraints, and health and well-being challenges. Students reported uneven EMI delivery,
linguistic hierarchies, limited institutional support, and reliance on peer networks. LDA analysis
confirmed these patterns and revealed hidden subthemes of identity negotiation and coping
strategies.
Originality/value – This study contributes by combining qualitative and computational
approaches under a single framework (TASAM–LDA). It provides new insights into how
Southeast Asian students experience Taiwan’s bilingualization in practice and suggests directions
for more inclusive EMI implementation.
Keywords: EMI challenges, thematic analysis, LDA topic modeling, TASAM, international
student adaptation, higher education, Vietnamese students, BN2030
Citation
Vo, T.H., & Reidhead, J. (in press). Navigating bilingualization: Challenges and adaptation of Vietnamese master’s students in English-medium instruction under Taiwan’s Bilingual 2030 policy. Asian Education and Development Studies.
Link
https://seouljake.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Asian-Education-Article.pdf