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NTNU welcomed nearly 500 international freshmen from around the globe this September, many of whom are in Taiwan for the first time. Bringing diverse cultural backgrounds, they are eager to begin their academic journey on NTNU’s vibrant, knowledge-rich campus.
To ease the transition into college life, the Office for International Affairs (OIA) organized various activities for the new arrivals, including airport pickups and campus tours. These tours introduced students to key on-campus and off-campus facilities, helping them acclimate to their new environment. Additionally, the Hong Kong-Macao and Indonesian student associations hosted welcome dinners, offering opportunities for students to interact and integrate into NTNU’s international community.
Throughout September, a variety of orientation activities took place, including the 2024 Fall International Exchange Student Family Dinner. This event brought together current exchange students at NTNU with those preparing to study abroad. Additionally, six welcome tea parties and an international student welcome party offered further opportunities for newcomers to connect with local students. Through icebreaker games and shared meals, these events fostered social interaction and enhanced mutual understanding of Taiwanese and international cultures.
Vice President for International Affairs, Professor Liu Yi-De, stated that employment counseling, Mandarin tutoring, and internationalization are key objectives for the OIA. To support these aims, the OIA offers career counseling tailored to international students, including workshops on resume writing and interview skills to enhance their competitiveness in the job market.
Additionally, the OIA provides basic Mandarin courses to help international students improve their language proficiency and integrate more smoothly into Taiwanese society. To encourage cultural exchange between local and international students, the OIA has established a buddy system that pairs international students with local student partners who provide guidance to help international peers adapt more smoothly to their new environment. These initiatives are designed to enhance students' international understanding and cross-cultural communication skills, promoting a harmonious integration of diverse cultures.
Upcoming activities throughout the semester include seminars on job hunting in Taiwan for overseas students, a tea-picking event in Pinglin, indigenous cultural exploration in Dulan, Taitung, international etiquette workshops, blue-and-white porcelain craft sessions, and a Christmas get-together. These events aim to provide students with a comprehensive experience of Taiwan’s diverse cultural landscape. NTNU is committed to creating a welcoming, multicultural learning environment, helping international students make lasting and positive memories.