This study explores the Chinese language learning experiences of 24 Vietnamese students participating in a vocational training program under Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy Industry–Academia International Program. Within their first academic year, students were expected to reach A2-level Chinese proficiency. Employing a mixed-methods design that combined Likert-scale questionnaires with open-ended responses, the research examined linguistic development, study habits, affective factors, and instructional needs. Results showed that most students attained A1 proficiency, with only a few progressing to A2, revealing challenges in advancing beyond basic competence. Learners exhibited strong study habits--such as pre-class preparation and post-class review--and viewed Chinese proficiency as both a career advantage and a confidence booster. Nonetheless, they reported ongoing difficulties in listening, speaking, writing, and vocabulary retention, particularly in writing and pronunciation. Gender differences emerged in affective responses: male students experienced higher test-related anxiety, while females demonstrated lower anxiety and more adaptive coping strategies. Students highlighted peer interaction, especially with Taiwanese classmates, as crucial to their learning. Instructional suggestions included a slower teaching pace, additional listening materials, and enhanced use of digital tools. The findings align with Krashen’s Input Hypothesis, Swain’s Output Hypothesis, and Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory, offering pedagogical implications for transnational vocational education.