Study on Exchange in Taiwan - Dr. Tsu-Ming Chiang, Professor of Psychology The world has become globally connected. Therefore, it is imperative for 21st-century learners to be acquainted with global issues and be educated about cultural influences on beliefs and practices in order to build cultural sensitivity. As the Chinese population has grown globally, learning more about the Chinese and Chinese culture is important in the 21st century. A primary goal of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents is that “all USG students attain an appropriate level of international knowledge and understanding that enables them to participate fully and successfully in a global society.” Dr. Dwight Call, assistant vice president for International Education, called a meeting in August 2012 to discuss international education opportunities for Georgia College students in China and Taiwan. Faculty members who had previous experience and connections with those countries volunteered to explore various study abroad opportunities. With extensive experience and background in Taiwanese culture and its educational system, Dr. J.F. Yao and I began researching and assessing the best educational opportunities for GC students. We examined the size of the university, university reputation, programs offered and the location of the university that will provide the best cultural experiences for our students. We found such a public university with emphasis on a liberal arts education and excellent teaching with similar growth and development to the Georgia College. The Taipei Municipal University of Education (TMUE) established in 1895 is located in metropolitan Taipei. “Located at the central district of Taipei City, the campus of Taipei Municipal University of Education … adjoins to those important arts and educational institutes such as the National Central Library, the National Theater and the National Concert Hall, Nan-hi Learning Garden and several junior high and elementary schools. In addition, the public recreation grounds, including the 228 Memorial Park, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the Taipei Botanical Garden, is within walk distance. Taking advantages of the abundance, diversity and vitality of an energetic city, the university presents unique aspects of metropolitan academic organization.”- quoted from the TMUE website. After a series of email exchanges, I was invited to give two speeches and visit TMUE in celebrating the university’s 117 years of history in a psychology lecture series.
During my trip, a memorandum of understanding was signed establishing an exchange program for students and faculty between our two universities. Taiwan is a country with five thousand years of rich history and culture that still uses the traditional Chinese calligraphy, yet embraces many modern advances. It is also an island with multiple cultural influences in its recent history as Dutch and then Japanese colony. Students and faculty can sample traditional Chinese cultural artifacts and a wide range of Chinese cuisines, along with modern technology, convenient transportation transit system in Taipei, and fast speed train system connecting the north and south of Taiwan. TMUE’s strong belief in cultural exchange as part of its excellent educational system has led the TMUE president to set aside funds to support exchange students with free lodging during the time of exchange. Additionally, a “buddy” system is in place to pair each exchange student with a native Taiwanese student to aid the cultural exploration and learning in and out of classrooms. With mutual understanding, both GC and TMUE agree to allow two students to exchange places each academic year. Students will have a range of classes to choose from, including introduction to Chinese language and culture from entry level to advanced level. Though Chinese language is not a prerequisite for studying abroad, it would be advantageous for students to have some basic Chinese. It would allow a wider range of classes to choose from. Because the Taiwanese university semester periods (September – January and the end of February to late June) are different from the United States, either the whole year exchange or spring semester exchange is recommended. In preparing future leaders who will contribute to society, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of international education for GC students. Learning a second language (or even a third) not only increases individuals’ opportunities to appreciate other cultures, it also enhances employability. Any company with business with other countries will readily hire employees who have multiple language and cultural experiences. As a person who is fluent in three languages, I continue to learn a fourth and a fifth language. Contact the International Education Center Study Abroad Advisers to learn how to apply for study abroad in Taiwan and to obtain scholarships for exciting study abroad learning. *In August TMUE will become the University of Taipei. Both the University of Taipei and Shih Hsin University will be excellent locations to study and learn Chinese.
Dr. Tsu-Ming Chiang, professor of psychology (second from left), shakes hands with Acting President Chun-Rong Liu after his signing of a memorandum of understanding between Georgia College and Taipei Municipal University of Education.
Dr. Tsu-Ming Chiang, professor of psychology (left), delivers memorandum of understanding from Taipei Municipal University of Education to Interim Provost Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth (center) and Dr. Dwight Call, assistant vice president for international education.
International Education Center staff receive memorandum of understanding with Taipei Municipal University of Education: (left to right) Study Abroad Adviser Liz Havey, Study Abroad Adviser Scott Terry, International Admissions Counselor Jason Wynn, Associate Director of International Education Libby Davis, Professor of Psychology Dr. Tsu-Ming Chiang, Interim Provost Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth and Assistant Vice President for International Education Dr. Dwight Call
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