Taiwan’s Active Participation in the 2024 EAIE Conference
The European Association for International Education (EAIE) hosted its 2024 annual conference from September 17 to 20 in Toulouse, France. This major higher education event attracted more than 6,500 representatives from universities and research institutions across the globe, making it one of the largest gatherings of education professionals in Europe. The conference focused on fostering global academic cooperation, with participants engaging in more than 240 sessions and workshops dedicated to various aspects of international education.
Leading Taiwan’s delegation was Dr. Cheng-Chih Wu, chairperson of the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan (FICHET). Over 50 delegates from 21 Taiwanese universities participated in the event, aiming to showcase Taiwan’s higher education strengths and build international academic connections. This participation underscores Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to establish itself as a global education hub and to strengthen its academic partnerships with European institutions.
Taiwan-France Educational Cooperation
Mei-Chen Lu, the Education Division Director at the Taipei Representative Office in France, and Lih-Tien Hsu, the Education Division secretary, greeted the Taiwanese delegation upon their arrival. They engaged in discussions with their French counterparts to explore opportunities for further collaboration in education and research. Taiwan’s role as a significant educational partner of Europe was reinforced, particularly in areas such as human rights, gender equality, social issues, climate change, and cultural exchanges.
In addition, Taiwan’s participation in the EAIE conference demonstrates the country’s commitment to enhancing the quality of higher education and promoting mutual exchanges between Taiwanese and European universities. Through these partnerships, Taiwan aims to increase opportunities for students and researchers to engage in cross-cultural learning experiences and contribute to global knowledge.
MOE’s Commitment to International Student Mobility
Dr. Wu highlighted that Taiwan continues to strengthen its ties with the European Union through initiatives like the Horizon Europe program and the Jean Monnet Project. Taiwan’s Ministry of Education (MOE) is also actively investing in the future of international student mobility. In 2023, the MOE introduced a five-year program with a budget of USD160 million to increase the enrollment and retention of international students in Taiwan. This initiative includes scholarships, academic programs, and support services aimed at attracting students from Europe and other regions.
Twelve Taiwanese universities have formed the University Academic Alliance, working with university alliances in Europe, the U.S., and Japan to promote academic cooperation and exchange. This initiative is expected to create more opportunities for students and faculty to engage in research collaborations and joint academic projects.
Education Exchange Statistics
As of 2024, statistics from the Ministry of Education indicate that Taiwan is home to around 7,300 European students, with most originating from EU member countries. Likewise, over 10,000 Taiwanese students are currently studying in Europe, with many attending universities in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. These statistics highlight the importance of international education exchanges and the mobility of talent between Taiwan and the EU, which has continued to grow over the years.
France, in particular, has become a key partner for Taiwan in the field of education, with more than 1,700 French students participating in Mandarin language programs and various exchange initiatives in Taiwan. This growing collaboration between the two countries is seen as a testament to the strength of their educational ties.
Strengthening Bilateral Education Partnerships
The Taiwan-France educational relationship has been further solidified through various initiatives, including the Taiwan-France Educational Cooperation Meeting and the Taiwan-France Higher Education Leaders Forum. These forums facilitate the signing of cooperative agreements, the implementation of exchange programs, and the exchange of language teaching assistants. Through such programs, both countries have seen fruitful results, enhancing their educational and cultural ties. As more programs and partnerships are formed, the relationship between Taiwan and France is expected to flourish further.
Taiwan Night at the EAIE Conference
A key highlight of Taiwan’s presence at the EAIE Conference was the Taiwan Night networking event, organized by FICHET on September 18 at Hotel NH Toulouse Airport. Representatives from 21 Taiwanese universities, along with their European partner institutions, attended the dinner. The event provided an excellent platform for lively discussions on forming multilateral partnerships and collaborative projects, further advancing educational cooperation between Taiwan and Europe. Attendees left with renewed commitments to strengthening these ties.
