University of Taipei (UTaipei) held the 2026 Spring Orientation for International Students from February 23 to 24. On the first day, Office of International Affairs arranged airport pickup services, and with the assistance of student buddies, the international students arrived safely in Taiwan and moved into their dormitories. The following day, an orientation briefing and course registration session were conducted, officially marking the beginning of the students’ academic journey in Taipei. This semester, the University welcomes exchange students from 7 countries—Korea, Malaysia, Italy, France, India, Chile, and China—representing 15 partner institutions. Including those continuing from the previous semester, the total number of exchange students has reached 26. This also marks the first time the University has received students from India and Chile. In addition, 17 degree-seeking students from Vietnam have joined the University community, further enriching campus diversity. President Yin-Hao Chiu noted that University of Taipei, with its Bo-ai and Tian-mu campuses, integrates urban development, education, and sports, providing students with both academic resources and access to the dynamic environment of Taipei. He emphasized that choosing UTaipei is one of the best decisions students can make and encouraged them not only to strengthen their academic knowledge, but also to broaden their global perspectives and build international friendships. Dr. David Chen, Dean for International Affairs, shared that seeing the students’ eager and enthusiastic faces reminded him of his own experience studying in the United States. That period of overseas study profoundly shaped his life and deepened his appreciation for the growth that comes from cross-cultural learning. He warmly welcomed all international students to Taipei and encouraged them to regard the Office of International Affairs as their “home away from home,” assuring them that support is always available whenever needed. Coinciding with the Lunar New Year, President Chiu presented New Year greeting cards and welcome gifts to the international students, offering his best wishes for success and prosperity in the year ahead. During the event, updated student handbooks were also distributed. The handbook consolidates key information from various administrative offices into a one-stop guide to help students better understand academic and daily life matters in Taiwan. Dr. Wu-Long Jhuang, Director of the International and Cross-Strait Exchange Division, introduced the key points to ensure students clearly understood available resources and important regulations. In addition to assigning each international student a dedicated buddy, the University formed a “Welcome Team” for the first time this semester, composed of enthusiastic student volunteers selected from the buddy program. The team assisted with airport pickups and campus tours, helping new students become familiar with the campus environment and surrounding facilities, demonstrating UTaipei’s friendly and comprehensive support network. The event concluded with ice-breaking activities organized by the Welcome Team. Through engaging and interactive games, students had the opportunity to get to know one another, gradually building connections and forming new friendships in Taiwan—laying a warm and memorable foundation for their study experience abroad.

Implemented by Office Of International Affairs
Date: 2026/02/23-2026/02/24