Internationalization survey honors NCTU, TKU

2015-03-18

Taiwan’s National Chiao Tung University and Tamkang University achieved the best internationalization ratings among 19 local universities in a Ministry of Education evaluation released March 16 in Taipei City.

NCTU and TKU earned special honors, while nine other schools passed the assessment without honors. Of the 19 educational institutions taking part in the evaluation launched last year, these 11 satisfied 75 compulsory criteria across five categories such as English curriculum and environment friendliness for foreign students.

“We applaud these universities for making overseas students feel at home in Taiwan,” an official from the MOE Department of International and Cross-strait Education said. “It is important to build the country’s reputation as a welcoming destination for enrollments from abroad.”

MOE statistics revealed that the number of foreign nationals studying or conducting research in Taiwan is increasing each year, with 90,000-plus such students in 2014.

The ministry praised NCTU and TKU for prioritizing the implementation of facilities and services catering to the needs of foreigners.

“NCTU warrants special mention for establishing a prayer room, as well as faith-friendly kitchens and restroom facilities for Muslim students,” the official said, adding that many were pleasantly surprised by the thoughtfulness of the Hsinchu City-based school.

“Equally creditworthy is TKU in New Taipei City and its overseas student club initiative offering a wide array of activities alleviating homesickness and enhancing cultural exchanges,” the official said. “Its seven clubs make adapting to life in Taiwan easier for those from distant shores engaging in local academic pursuits.”

The evaluation is on a trial basis but has proven extremely useful in helping the MOE and tertiary institutions enhance Taiwan’s education environment, the official said. “We are committed to using all the tools at our disposal in transforming the country into a leading tertiary education destination going forward.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=228362&CtNode=413)