The UP Diliman Office of International Linkages recently hosted a panel discussion about opportunities offered by Taiwan universities for Filipino students.
Read the story below.
OILD Umalohokan Series: Taiwan Education Panel Discussion
UP Diliman Office of International Linkages
The UP Diliman (UPD) School of Labor and Industrial Relations Auditorium was filled with energy as students, faculty, and researchers came together for the UPD Office of International Linkages (OILD) Umalohokan Series: Taiwan Education Panel Discussion on Sept. 26. This event, organized by OILD and Taiwan Education Center Philippines, showcased the academic opportunities available to Filipino students in Taiwan’s established universities.
Inspiring beginnings. Hosted by Rica Gabrielle Ortiz of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines (TECO Philippines) and UPD student exchange returnee, Danielle Anne Chua, the event started with the opening remarks from Tony Lee, director of the Education Division at TECO Philippines, and Ronel O. Laranjo, PhD, programs development associate at OILD.
Creating a lively atmosphere, Lee emphasized the importance of international education and cultural exchange in our globalized society.
Lee also highlighted Taiwan’s commitment to building educational partnerships.
“We believe education knows no boundaries. This event is not just about learning programs, it’s about forming lasting relationships,” he said.
Laranjo echoed this sentiment, reinforcing UP’s dedication to strengthening international connections beneficial to its faculty, staff, and students.
“We encourage you to try the academic opportunities in Taiwan so that you can enrich yourself more and contribute to our nation’s growth,” Laranjo said in his welcoming speech.
Representatives from nine established universities shared details about their English-taught programs and scholarship options. They were: Liz Yap, project assistant at the Office of International Affairs of National Taiwan University of Science and Technology; Hsiu-Mei Hsieh, associate vice president for international affairs, and Chiao-Ling Yang and Sing-Yee Tan, international student advising managers at National Taiwan Normal University; Li-Hsin Chen and Goodman David Walter, associate professors at National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism; Ming-Hsuan Lee, vice president for international affairs and Ying-Ting Chen, project coordinator at National Sun Yat-sen University; Tai-Sheng Liou, chair of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at National Chung Cheng University; Wu-Yuan Huang, dean of the College of Science and Engineering at National Dong Hwa University; Szu-Ning Chen, short-term program manager at National Chengchi University; Cheng-Yao Lo, director of Division of International Talent Cultivation at National Tsing Hua University; Yu-fen Fu, associate professor at Tunghai University; : Hung-Lung Ke, associate chair at Kaohsiung Medical University; and Kowit-Yu Chong, chair/professor at Chang Gung University.
Each university showcased its unique offerings, reflecting Taiwan’s commitment to fostering a diverse and welcoming academic environment.
Engaging discussions. Participants were encouraged to interact with university representatives, leading to exciting discussions about studying in Taiwan. The room was filled with enthusiasm as students shared their ambitions and sought advice on the application process and life as international students.
A lively Q&A session allowed students to pose questions and gain valuable insights into their educational journeys abroad.
Celebrating cultural exchange. The event also served as a platform for cultural exchange. Representatives shared personal experiences about student life in Taiwan, highlighting the rich cultural opportunities and personal growth in studying abroad.
“Education is about more than just academics. It’s about building bridges between cultures, and we hope this event fosters those connections,” the guests from different universities shared, as they emphasized the importance of cultural understanding:
Creating lasting connections. The OILD Umalohokan Series: Taiwan Education Panel Discussion was not just an informative event; it facilitated connections between Filipino students and Taiwanese educational institutions. Attendees left with brochures, contact details, and a renewed excitement about studying in Taiwan.
As the event concluded, many participants expressed interest in exploring academic opportunities in Taiwan. The event highlighted the ongoing commitment to educational collaboration between Taiwan and the Philippines, promoting mutual understanding and respect through shared academic experiences.