Perception of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) among Chinese medical and non-medical students taking the all-English-taught TCM course

Background As an important part of the internationalization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), internationalization of TCM education is an effective way to spread TCM worldwide. We investigated the perceptions and learning situations of TCM among Chinese medical and non-medical students who received TCM courses taught in English. Methods This cross-sectional study was done at four universities in China. A structured, self-reported online questionnaire was completed by both medical and nonmedical students enrolled in the all-English-taught TCM course. The questionnaire primarily assessed their perceptions of traditional Chinese culture, clinical applications and modern research of TCM, their interest in TCM, and their learning situation regarding the TCM course. Results There were many similarities between the medical and non-medical students in TCM, as well as their preferences for the teaching method of the TCM course. Both believed that TCM had significant importance in clinical practice and that traditional Chinese culture should be fully integrated into the TCM curriculum. Additionally, they recognized the value of modern research in TCM. Both medical and non-medical students could understand the theoretical concept of TCM and establish TCM thinking through the TCM internationalization course. In addition, medical students were more interested in moxibustion, massage, cupping, and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation, while non-medical students were more interested in exercise, a medicated diet, and traditional Chinese music. Conclusion Teaching TCM in English to Chinese medical and non-medical students is an important part of the internationalization of TCM education. Traditional Chinese culture, modern TCM research, and the development of various TCM forms are likely to be helpful in the global expansion of the use of TCM.