Introducing you to our key learning fields

Update: 2026.08.09

Lifelong Learning

Comparative Studies in Adult Education

Research Themes

"Education and Labor: Integrating Vocational and Social Education for Immigrant Workers and Social Integration"

• Education-Labor Dynamics: Employment support, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and labor issues.
• Education & Social Integration of Immigrant Workers: Fusing vocational training with social/community education and lifelong learning.
• Community-Based Learning, Welfare, and Work: Adult education, community education, and the synergy between social education and welfare.
• Comparative Education in East Asia: Comparative policy and empirical studies across Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, etc.

Seminar / Laboratory Introduction

Our seminar explores the critical linkages between Education and Labor, investigating contemporary issues in employment support, vocational education, adult/lifelong learning, and community welfare through empirical and theoretical frameworks.

A major focus of our current research lies in the education and social integration of immigrant workers. We examine how to bridge and integrate Vocational Education and Training (TVET) (skill development and employment support) with Social Education / Lifelong Learning (community engagement, daily living support, and social inclusion).

We place strong emphasis on qualitative research methods, including field surveys, in-depth interviews, and document analysis, alongside solid theoretical foundations in education, educational sociology, and comparative education. In our seminar, graduate students with diverse academic and cultural backgrounds come together to engage in constructive, critical, and stimulating discussions to advance their research projects.

Prospective Students

We welcome students who:

• Have a strong interest in Education and Labor, Vocational Education, or Social/Lifelong Education:We broadly welcome students with a clear research focus on topics at the intersection of education and work—such as employment support, career training, community-based learning, social welfare, or immigrant worker integration.
• Are self-motivated in conducting qualitative fieldwork and literature analysis: Are prepared to independently design and carry out field investigations, interviews, and academic analysis.
• Value diversity and open dialogue: Respect different perspectives and actively participate in collaborative academic discussions.

Master's & Doctoral Thesis Topics

Students can pursue a wide range of research topics combining education, labor studies, and social/community education.

【Examples of Potential Thesis Domains】

1. Education and Social Integration of Immigrant Workers

Integration of vocational education with community-based social education for migrant workers.

Support systems for foreign workers' career development, language acquisition, and community adaptation.

2. Vocational Education, Employment Support, and Empowerment

Employment and independence support programs for vulnerable groups, youth, or persons with disabilities.

Multi-sectoral collaboration (government, industry, NGOs, communities) in TVET.

3. Social Education, Adult Learning, and Community (Shequ) Studies

Community-based educational activities bridging lifelong learning, work, and social welfare.

Transformation of adult education in response to industrial restructuring in urban and rural regions.

4. Comparative Education & Policy Studies in East Asia

Comparative analyses of labor, vocational education, and social education policies across Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, and beyond.

Staff

Associate Professor           XIAO, Lan