EU-Officials Chinese Language and Taiwan Study Program Orientation

Picture:Participating officials and Taipei Representative Office colleagues

On July 10th an orientation for the EU-officials taking part in the 2013 Mandarin Training Programme and Taiwan Study Seminar was organized at the Taipei Representative Office in the EU & Belgium. Over 30 people participated in the meeting.
Representative Tung Kuo-yu welcomed the participants and encouraged them to explore the 5 C’s in Taiwan: culture; cuisine; colorful scenery; commonalities with Europe; and cross-Strait peace. Director of the Education Division Huei-wen Hsu’s presentation gave the group an overview of the Ministry of Education’s international education policy, available funding programs for Belgian and Luxembourgian citizens and the outlook of Taiwan’s education. Three former participants shared their valuable experiences in Taiwan. Through anecdotes and pictures they helped to provide a deeper sense of what the EU-officials could expect on their visit.
Since their start in 2007 and 2008 respectively, more than 160 officials have participated in the programmes. The number of applicants has increased every year. This year, 54 applications were received of which 40% were accepted. Both programmes strengthen the ties between the EU and Taiwan and form an excellent platform for dialogue. They also help create a broader understanding of Taiwan’s recent development.