To strengthen international students’ career development and integration into Taiwanese society, the Office of International Affairs at National Chung Cheng University held the “2024 Evaluation and Exchange Meeting for the 2023 Academic Year Program of Career Support and Retention in Taiwan for International Students ” on July 23, 2025. The event brought together projecr leaders and administrative representatives from various universities in the Chiayi region to review the implementation results of the program and engage in meaningful discussions on future strategies. The meeting saw enthusiastic participation, with representatives actively sharing their experiences and recommendations, laying a solid foundation for future inter-university collaboration.

During the meeting, Chung Cheng University presented the key progress and tangible outcomes of its 2024 academic year implementation, emphasizing three core focus areas: language proficiency, cultural integration, and career development. Participants provided numerous innovative and practical suggestions based on the actual needs and challenges faced by international students. In terms of language learning, many universities highlighted that Mandarin Chinese proficiency is closely linked to local employability. Recommendations included strengthening Mandarin Chinese language teaching resources, offering certified hours, establishing support courses, and considering incentive mechanisms such as credit recognition or rewards to enhance motivation.

Regarding career development, attendees generally agreed on the need to proactively enhance internship and employment matching mechanisms for international students. Suggestions included expanding partnerships with local enterprises, developing workplace Mandarin Chinese and cultural orientation courses, implementing one-on-one career counseling services, and producing job-seeking toolkits specifically for international students. Chung Cheng University shared its experience in transitioning from a one-on-one buddy system to a group-based co-learning model, where senior students can gradually become team leaders, fostering a sense of autonomy and continuity—an idea that resonated with many participants.

On the topic of cultural integration, universities emphasized the importance of leveraging internal resources, such as language centers, career centers, and advisory systems, to design activities like workshops, industry visits, and career forums. These initiatives aim to help students better understand Taiwanese society and workplace expectations. Some universities also proposed introducing career planning and competency assessments, such as the UCAN test, as early as the freshman year, followed by structured support throughout the later years, including résumé reviews and job readiness programs.

This exchange meeting not only provided a comprehensive review of the program’s implementation but also fostered a strong consensus for cross-campus collaboration. Moving forward, Chung Cheng University will continue working hand in hand with partner institutions to refine the program, integrate resources, and implement innovative solutions. The goal is to establish a more supportive environment for international students in Taiwan and further advance the internationalization and sustainable development of higher education in the country.