【Article by Office of International Cooperation】
2024 Study Abroad Fair opened with great fanfare on October 15, drawing large crowds to Siwei Hall on its first day. This annual event, organized by the Office of International Cooperation (OIC), spans three days and aims to provide students with diverse opportunities for international exchange, encouraging them to explore study abroad options and proactively plan their careers. The ultimate goal is to nurture globally minded talent with an international perspective.

The exhibition features 101 booths from 21 countries, including 71 in-person booths hosted by NCCU exchange students, 28 promotional booths, and 2 university-level international exchange booths, representing both international and Mainland China exchange programs. This year, a total of 106 exchange students from 21 countries are participating as booth hosts, offering valuable insights into their home universities and cultural experiences. A notable addition to this year’s event is the presence of a university representative from Germany’s University of Göttingen, adding to the lively and informative atmosphere at the venue.

In his opening remarks, NCCU President Tsai-Yen Li shared his personal experience studying abroad, encouraging students to take bold steps in pursuing their dreams overseas. He emphasized, "Studying abroad changed my life—it broadened my horizons and strengthened my abilities. I urge you to take that leap and explore the world. This is not just an academic journey but a life-changing experience." President Li highlighted the importance of study abroad opportunities and motivated students to step out of Taiwan and take charge of their life journeys.

Associate Vice President of the OIC office, Prof. Elain Lin, also spoke at the event, urging students to make full use of NCCU’s extensive international exchange resources. "NCCU is one of Taiwan’s most internationally engaged universities, with a rich and diverse array of exchange programs. We hope you seize this chance to gain cross-cultural experiences that will greatly benefit your future careers."

The next two days of the fair will feature themed seminars, covering topics such as university-level exchange programs, the Taiwan University System (TUS) exchange programs, and various exchange scholarships. Students who register for these sessions will gain in-depth knowledge of the application process and hear from past participants who will share practical tips and firsthand experiences from their own exchanges.

To enhance student engagement and better understand their exchange needs, the OIC has designed fun interactive props for the event, including mini passports, airplane tickets, and suitcase-shaped photo boards. During the three-day fair, students can take photos with the props, upload them to their Instagram stories with public visibility, and follow the official OIC Instagram account (@oic.nccu) for a chance to win prizes like universal adapters, eco-friendly utensils,travel toiletry bag, and OIC-branded umbrellas.

Looking ahead, the university-level international exchange selection process for the 113th academic year will take place on November 16, followed by the Mainland China exchange selection on December 9. The OIC encourages students with aspirations to study abroad to seize these opportunities, step out of their comfort zones, and pursue their dreams with confidence. For any questions, students are welcome to contact the exchange program team via email at outbound@nccu.edu.tw.