Associate Professor Yu-Lun Huang of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) visited Purdue University in the United States from August 10 to 16 on behalf of NTNU’s College of Sports and Recreation. The visit focused on expanding cooperation in sport sciences, including a master’s dual-degree program, overseas study opportunities, and professional internships in athletic training.
During the visit, Huang met with Purdue faculty members to discuss ongoing and potential areas of collaboration, with the goal of creating more opportunities for academic exchange and professional training for students at both universities.
Expanding Dual-Degree Collaboration in Sport Sciences
The visit built on discussions between NTNU’s College of Sports and Recreation and Purdue University’s Department of Health and Kinesiology following a visit to NTNU by Department Head Li-Shan Chou in November 2025.
In addition to reviewing progress on the proposed master’s dual-degree program, the two sides explored further opportunities for cooperation, particularly in athletic training.
With assistance from NTNU alumnus and Purdue Associate Professor Shih-Chun (Alvin) Kao, Huang also met with Purdue faculty members specializing in physiology, sport psychology, biomechanics, and motor control. The meetings provided an opportunity to introduce the development of NTNU’s College of Sports and Recreation and discuss potential academic and research collaboration across different areas of sport sciences.
Through these exchanges, faculty members from both universities gained a better understanding of each institution’s research strengths and explored possibilities for future interdisciplinary collaboration.
Exploring Overseas Learning Opportunities
The visit also included preparations for an overseas learning program that would give NTNU students and athletic training professionals from Taiwan an opportunity to learn about athletic training education and practice in the United States.
Prior to the visit, Huang held several online meetings with Purdue Clinical Professor Scott Lawrance, Director of Athletic Training Education, to discuss possible activities and sites. During his stay at Purdue, Huang visited relevant facilities and gathered information for NTNU’s proposed 2027 Youth Overseas Dream Program.
The program is expected to provide participants with opportunities to learn about athletic training education, professional practice, clinical settings, sport sciences, injury documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration in the United States. Based on the facilities, potential areas of cooperation, and participants’ learning needs, NTNU will continue to refine the program and its planned activities.
Developing International Internship Opportunities in Athletic Training
Another focus of the visit was the development of overseas internship opportunities for students in NTNU’s athletic training program. Huang discussed possible cooperation with Purdue in Study Abroad programs and professional internships, with the aim of identifying settings where NTNU students could gain practical experience overseas.
The discussions also explored opportunities for Purdue students in athletic training-related fields to participate in Study Abroad experiences in Taiwan. Such exchanges could provide students from both universities with greater exposure to different educational and professional environments while strengthening their practical experience and cross-cultural communication skills.
Strengthening Long-Term Ties between NTNU and Purdue
The visit advanced discussions on the master’s dual-degree program while opening additional possibilities for cooperation in athletic training, overseas internships, and interdisciplinary research.
Building on the connections established during the visit, NTNU’s College of Sports and Recreation plans to continue developing collaboration with Purdue University and encourage students to participate in dual-degree programs, international internships, and other overseas learning opportunities. Through continued academic exchange and professional training, the two universities aim to create broader international learning opportunities for their students and faculty.
