【Article by OIC】

To deepen academic cooperation with its partner institution, Sciences Po Paris, National Chengchi University (NCCU) has selected 10 talented students to participate in the Sciences Po Summer School. Supported by the Ministry of Education's bilingual initiative, the student delegation was accompanied by Professor Cho-Hsin Su, Vice President for International Cooperation. Following the summer school's commencement, Professor Su embarked on a week-long visit to the Taipei Representative Office and several top-tier French universities to expand NCCU’s collaborative blueprint in European higher education.

During the intensive visit from June 29 to July 3, Professor Su met with representatives from Sciences Po Paris, Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, Paris-Panthéon-Assas University (Paris II), the National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilizations (Inalco), and Université Sorbonne Nouvelle (Paris 3). The discussions led to substantial progress on various areas, including student exchange agreements, English-taught course alignments, dual degree programs, short-term summer programs, and international student support systems.

The tour began at Sciences Po Paris. Founded in 1872, the institution consistently ranks among the top three globally in politics and international studies. The international affairs representative for the Asia-Pacific region warmly welcomed the delegation and commended the outstanding quality of NCCU students. The representative noted that in recent years, Taiwan and NCCU have become highly popular exchange destinations for their students, leading to vibrant two-way mobility. The representative also expressed gratitude to NCCU for sending 10 talented students to their summer program this year, looking forward to advancing future academic collaborations.

At Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, a prominent institution established in 1971 with roots tracking back to the 13th-century University of Paris, Professor Su met with the international relations team. The university highlighted its expanding catalog of English-taught courses, stretching from economics and politics into modern art history, alongside its "Bienvenue en France" initiative, which assists international students with local integration. Both sides discussed administrative internationalization exchanges and evaluated the potential for future dual degree programs.

Positive developments were achieved at Paris-Panthéon-Assas University (Paris II), renowned throughout Europe for its elite law school. The representative from Paris II stated that the university is actively preparing a cooperation agreement with NCCU. Discussions on a formal student exchange contract are scheduled to begin this autumn, aiming to launch the exchange program next year.

At Inalco, a world-class institution for languages and civilizations dating back to 1669, the dialogue focused on innovative educational synergy. As a pillar of the French elite education system that trains a significant portion of the country's diplomats, Inalco leads the nation in Chinese language research while providing French programs for international students. Showing strong interest in NCCU's diverse English-taught programs, the representative expressed a commitment to promoting exchange opportunities at NCCU to their students.

The final visit took place at Université Sorbonne Nouvelle (Paris 3), a major center for contemporary culture, literature, and communication studies. The university's Vice President and the international affairs team hosted the meeting, outlining their multilingual advisory services and supportive environment for international students. During the visit, Professor Su also met with a Sorbonne Nouvelle student who is scheduled to depart for an exchange semester at NCCU, demonstrating the warm welcome awaiting French students in Taipei.

This successful delegation not only solidifies NCCU’s relationships with its existing European partners but also opens doors for new collaborations in dual degrees and short-term study initiatives. Moving forward, NCCU remains committed to fostering a diverse, global campus environment and advancing higher education ties between Taiwan and France.