Frontiers | Investigating employment anxiety among pre-service Chinese teachers in Taiwan, China: influencing factors and implications

April 1, 2026 - 14:35

A new academic study investigates the significant employment anxiety experienced by pre-service Chinese language teachers in Taiwan. Conducted against a backdrop of global demand for Chinese education and post-pandemic economic challenges, the research identifies key factors contributing to this widespread concern.

The findings point to several major influences. Intense competition within the job market, coupled with high personal expectations and perceived pressure from family and society, create a stressful environment for soon-to-be graduates. Furthermore, anxieties are compounded by uncertainties regarding practical teaching competencies and the alignment of teacher training programs with the actual demands of modern educational institutions.

This anxiety has serious implications, potentially affecting the mental well-being of these future educators and the overall quality of the teaching talent pool. The study suggests that addressing this issue requires concerted efforts. Recommendations include strengthening career guidance services within universities, enhancing practical teaching practicums, and fostering greater dialogue between teacher preparation programs and schools to better bridge the gap between training and employment realities. The research underscores the need to support the next generation of educators, whose skills are vital for cultural and linguistic education.