NCCU Vice President Encourages Students to Embark on Their Own “Beagle Voyage” at the 2025 NCCU Overseas Study Fair
Date :
2025-10-09
Department :
Office of International Cooperation (OIC)
【Article by Office of International Cooperation (OIC)】
The 2025 NCCU Overseas Study Fair was grandly held at Siwei Hall from October 8 to 9, featuring a vibrant array of international opportunities. On the first day, 100 universities participated in the event, with 80 booths hosted by 116 exchange students from 29 countries, who introduced their home universities and cultures. Another 20 institutions were represented through brochures and displays. The fair echoed with a symphony of languages, creating the feeling of embarking on a global campus tour without leaving NCCU.
In his opening remarks, Vice President Shu-Heng Chen encouraged students to bravely set sail on their own journeys, drawing inspiration from Charles Darwin’s voyage on the HMS Beagle. He shared that Darwin, much like many students today, once felt uncertain about his future and faced opposition—even from his father and the ship’s captain—before finally embarking on his expedition that would later transform human thought with On the Origin of Species. Vice President Chen reminded students that studying abroad is not merely a temporary overseas experience but could be the seed of a life-changing journey. “Perhaps twenty or thirty years from now, you’ll realize that the step you take today is where your story truly begins,” he said.
OIC Director Yi-Ning Chen also encouraged students to look beyond major cities when choosing destinations. She noted that smaller towns often provide more genuine cultural immersion and meaningful interpersonal connections.
Students who attended the fair expressed that they gained valuable insights from the event. Itamar Cohen Gadol from the University of Haifa, Israel, shared, “There’s so much Taiwan and Israel can learn from each other. I feel proud to represent my home university and connect with local students here.” Lin Bing-Sheng, a senior from the Department of Finance, remarked that having exchange students introduce their own universities was especially effective. “We can hear authentic experiences and learn about different cultures directly through these conversations,” he said.
The second day of the fair featured a series of information sessions covering topics such as the university-level exchange application process, scholarship opportunities, and testimonials from NCCU students who had studied abroad. These sessions provided practical guidance for students planning to go overseas. A Q&A session followed, addressing various questions students might encounter during their preparation.
The OIC also prepared special prizes—students who attended the full session and completed a survey had the chance to win items such as sports bottles and woven eco-bags. For any inquiries related to international exchange opportunities, students are welcome to contact the OIC at oic@nccu.edu.tw.
The 2025 NCCU Overseas Study Fair was grandly held at Siwei Hall from October 8 to 9, featuring a vibrant array of international opportunities. On the first day, 100 universities participated in the event, with 80 booths hosted by 116 exchange students from 29 countries, who introduced their home universities and cultures. Another 20 institutions were represented through brochures and displays. The fair echoed with a symphony of languages, creating the feeling of embarking on a global campus tour without leaving NCCU.
In his opening remarks, Vice President Shu-Heng Chen encouraged students to bravely set sail on their own journeys, drawing inspiration from Charles Darwin’s voyage on the HMS Beagle. He shared that Darwin, much like many students today, once felt uncertain about his future and faced opposition—even from his father and the ship’s captain—before finally embarking on his expedition that would later transform human thought with On the Origin of Species. Vice President Chen reminded students that studying abroad is not merely a temporary overseas experience but could be the seed of a life-changing journey. “Perhaps twenty or thirty years from now, you’ll realize that the step you take today is where your story truly begins,” he said.
OIC Director Yi-Ning Chen also encouraged students to look beyond major cities when choosing destinations. She noted that smaller towns often provide more genuine cultural immersion and meaningful interpersonal connections.
Students who attended the fair expressed that they gained valuable insights from the event. Itamar Cohen Gadol from the University of Haifa, Israel, shared, “There’s so much Taiwan and Israel can learn from each other. I feel proud to represent my home university and connect with local students here.” Lin Bing-Sheng, a senior from the Department of Finance, remarked that having exchange students introduce their own universities was especially effective. “We can hear authentic experiences and learn about different cultures directly through these conversations,” he said.
The second day of the fair featured a series of information sessions covering topics such as the university-level exchange application process, scholarship opportunities, and testimonials from NCCU students who had studied abroad. These sessions provided practical guidance for students planning to go overseas. A Q&A session followed, addressing various questions students might encounter during their preparation.
The OIC also prepared special prizes—students who attended the full session and completed a survey had the chance to win items such as sports bottles and woven eco-bags. For any inquiries related to international exchange opportunities, students are welcome to contact the OIC at oic@nccu.edu.tw.
A Letter to Our Prospective Outbound Exchange Students.pdf