【Article by the Secretariat Office】
National Chengchi University (NCCU) signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the City of Phoenix, Arizona, is becoming the first Taiwanese university to establish an official internship partnership with a U.S. municipality.
Facilitated by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, the initiative is spearheaded by NCCU’s Career Development Center. The collaboration bridges higher education and municipal administration through cross-border internships, offering students firsthand experience in American public affairs and international urban governance.
Anchored by the university's “International Internship Program,” the partnership aims to establish a structured framework for NCCU students to intern with the City of Phoenix and its affiliates. Phoenix has recently emerged as a major U.S. hub for the semiconductor and high-tech sectors, undergoing rapid transformation in urban governance, public policy, and industrial development.
Under the agreement, NCCU will select candidates with strong language proficiency and relevant professional backgrounds, while the City of Phoenix will match interns with municipal departments and local partners. The city will provide mentorship throughout the internship, ensuring students gain exposure to real-world operational environments.
NCCU President Lee Tsai-yen noted the university’s long-standing leadership in social sciences, business, and international affairs. He emphasized that the partnership goes beyond symbolic cooperation, prioritizing substantive engagement and long-term impact to nurture talent with global perspectives.
President Lee expressed hope that the initiative would evolve into an enduring partnership, fostering cross-cultural and interdisciplinary growth while delivering concrete outcomes in talent development.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego highlighted Taiwan’s pivotal role in global high-tech manufacturing, particularly in semiconductors. She stated that Phoenix looks forward to deepening ties with Taiwanese higher education, integrating students’ diverse perspectives on urban development, and jointly showcasing the city's investment potential.
Chang Wen-mei, Director of NCCU’s Career Development Center, hailed the partnership as a pivotal milestone in the university’s efforts to broaden international career pathways for students. She emphasized that the center will continue to bridge on-campus academic resources with its global partner network, facilitating a seamless transition into the international job market. Through internships and comprehensive mentorship support, the program aims to nurture professionals equipped with cross-cultural fluency and practical expertise.