IMES Fosters Cross-Cultural Connections Through Orientation and Team-Building Activities
Date :
2025-09-16
Department :
International Master’s Program of Applied Economics and Social Development
【Article by IMES】
The International Master's Program of Applied Economics and Social Development (IMES) at National Chengchi University (NCCU) proudly welcomed 28 new students for the 2025–2026 academic year. This cohort includes 7 Taiwanese students and 21 international students from 12 countries across four continents, reflecting the program’s ongoing commitment to internationalization and diversity.
Among the international students, six come from Europe and North America—including the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, and Spain. Vietnam stands out as the largest source country from Asia, with three Vietnamese students receiving internship scholarships sponsored by Cathay United Bank.
Taiwanese students were selected from a highly competitive pool of over 40 qualified applicants. All admitted students demonstrated exceptional academic and professional promise. As an interdisciplinary program, IMES draws students from a wide range of academic backgrounds. This year’s class includes graduates from leading Taiwanese universities and top international institutions such as the University of California system (USA), McGill University and Université de Montréal (Canada), Durham University (UK), University of Zurich (Switzerland), University of Amsterdam (Netherlands), University of Granada (Spain), and Vietnam National University.
To help the new cohort acclimate to life at NCCU and feel part of the IMES family, a welcome gathering was held on September 1st at the Ruins Coffee shop in Dah Hsian Library. Over coffee and conversation, students connected with peers and faculty in a relaxed setting, taking in the beautiful campus environment and building anticipation for the academic journey ahead.
Another highlight of the orientation was a team-building activity held on September 13th in Magang Fishing Village, located near Santiago Cape—the easternmost point of Taiwan. Led by the program director, the event began with a mindfulness and breathing session facilitated by Professor Alicia Say, a certified yoga instructor and full-time IMES faculty member. Students were guided through techniques to enhance focus and relaxation—tools to manage academic and personal stress.
The session was followed by interactive team-building games led by the student council and Professor Say. These activities encouraged collaboration and helped students build stronger interpersonal bonds. Several international students from Europe and North America expressed that they had not anticipated such meaningful team-building experiences within an academic program. Many shared that the activities left a deep impression and strengthened their sense of belonging. Following the event, students visited the Santiago Cape Lighthouse and the sand sculpture exhibition at Fulong Beach, enjoying a sun-filled and memorable weekend.
Now in its tenth year, the IMES program continues to evolve and refine its position in response to the growing demand for interdisciplinary talent. With a strong foundation in applied economics and a focus on data analytics, the program also addresses pressing social innovation issues—ranging from the sharing economy and digital transformation to sustainability, fintech, and semiconductors.
The increasing number of applicants from both Taiwan and abroad demonstrates IMES’s rising visibility and appeal. A major milestone this year is the launch of a dual-degree program with the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Three IMES students have already begun their studies at UIC’s College of Business, becoming the first cohort to benefit from this new partnership. More students are expected to take part in this initiative in the coming years, further expanding their global learning opportunities.
The International Master's Program of Applied Economics and Social Development (IMES) at National Chengchi University (NCCU) proudly welcomed 28 new students for the 2025–2026 academic year. This cohort includes 7 Taiwanese students and 21 international students from 12 countries across four continents, reflecting the program’s ongoing commitment to internationalization and diversity.
Among the international students, six come from Europe and North America—including the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, and Spain. Vietnam stands out as the largest source country from Asia, with three Vietnamese students receiving internship scholarships sponsored by Cathay United Bank.
Taiwanese students were selected from a highly competitive pool of over 40 qualified applicants. All admitted students demonstrated exceptional academic and professional promise. As an interdisciplinary program, IMES draws students from a wide range of academic backgrounds. This year’s class includes graduates from leading Taiwanese universities and top international institutions such as the University of California system (USA), McGill University and Université de Montréal (Canada), Durham University (UK), University of Zurich (Switzerland), University of Amsterdam (Netherlands), University of Granada (Spain), and Vietnam National University.
To help the new cohort acclimate to life at NCCU and feel part of the IMES family, a welcome gathering was held on September 1st at the Ruins Coffee shop in Dah Hsian Library. Over coffee and conversation, students connected with peers and faculty in a relaxed setting, taking in the beautiful campus environment and building anticipation for the academic journey ahead.
Another highlight of the orientation was a team-building activity held on September 13th in Magang Fishing Village, located near Santiago Cape—the easternmost point of Taiwan. Led by the program director, the event began with a mindfulness and breathing session facilitated by Professor Alicia Say, a certified yoga instructor and full-time IMES faculty member. Students were guided through techniques to enhance focus and relaxation—tools to manage academic and personal stress.
The session was followed by interactive team-building games led by the student council and Professor Say. These activities encouraged collaboration and helped students build stronger interpersonal bonds. Several international students from Europe and North America expressed that they had not anticipated such meaningful team-building experiences within an academic program. Many shared that the activities left a deep impression and strengthened their sense of belonging. Following the event, students visited the Santiago Cape Lighthouse and the sand sculpture exhibition at Fulong Beach, enjoying a sun-filled and memorable weekend.
Now in its tenth year, the IMES program continues to evolve and refine its position in response to the growing demand for interdisciplinary talent. With a strong foundation in applied economics and a focus on data analytics, the program also addresses pressing social innovation issues—ranging from the sharing economy and digital transformation to sustainability, fintech, and semiconductors.
The increasing number of applicants from both Taiwan and abroad demonstrates IMES’s rising visibility and appeal. A major milestone this year is the launch of a dual-degree program with the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Three IMES students have already begun their studies at UIC’s College of Business, becoming the first cohort to benefit from this new partnership. More students are expected to take part in this initiative in the coming years, further expanding their global learning opportunities.