To actively promote international cultural and academic exchange and to strengthen the internationalization of higher education, Tunghai University established the Office of International Educational Cooperation on May 26, 1986. It was one of the earliest dedicated international affairs offices among universities in central Taiwan. As international exchange and the needs of overseas students have become more diverse, the office has continued to expand its functions and is now known as the Office of International Relations. The office is committed to promoting global partnerships, student mobility, overseas student recruitment and support, Chinese language education, and cross-cultural inclusion.
The Office actively develops partnerships with overseas universities and educational institutions. It promotes academic cooperation agreements, faculty and student exchanges, dual degree programs, overseas internships, international study programs, and various cross-border exchange opportunities. Through these efforts, the Office encourages Tunghai faculty members and students to connect with the world, gain new international knowledge, and enhance their academic research and cross-cultural communication skills. At the same time, the Office also supports overseas students, international scholars, and professionals who come to Tunghai for degree study, teaching, research, or short-term exchange, further strengthening the international development of the campus.
Tunghai University has established partnerships with 302 international partner universities across 5 continents and 39 countries. The University also continues to promote exchange and cooperation with more than 70 universities in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao.
To respond to the growth of international affairs and the increasing number of overseas students, the Office consists of three second-level units:
(1) International and Cross-Strait Affairs Section
(2) International Student Exchange Section
(3) Chinese Language Center
The main responsibilities of the Office include:
- Expanding overseas partnerships and international academic exchange opportunities.
- Promoting student exchange, dual degree programs, overseas internships, international study programs, and short-term exchange programs.
- Assisting overseas students who come to Tunghai for degree study, exchange, study programs, and campus life adjustment.
- Organizing international academic conferences, receiving international visitors, and supporting scholar exchange.
- Providing Chinese language courses and cultural learning resources to help international students improve their Chinese language skills and learn about Taiwanese culture.
- Promoting a bilingual and culturally friendly campus environment, and encouraging interaction and inclusion between local and overseas students.
Looking ahead, the Office of International Relations will continue to follow the goals of “connecting with the world, deepening Tunghai’s global engagement, and cultivating talents with an international vision.” The Office will integrate internal and external resources, strengthen global partnerships, enhance support services for overseas students, and build an open, diverse, friendly, and internationally competitive campus environment.