In recent years, due to the encouragement of government policies, the number of international students coming to Taiwan for studies has been increasing annually. To promote the retention of international students in Taiwan and enhance workplace multiculturalism, Shih Chien University and its international sister schools hosted the 2021 International Career Development Camp from January 26 to January 29. In addition to comprehensive courses and workshops, multinational companies such as AWS and Tokuyo were invited to engage with students, co-create courses, and provide international students in Taiwan with opportunities for “co-creation and co-learning.”
Professor Guo Shou-Wang, Vice President of Shih Chien University, highlighted that during the pandemic, many international students in Taiwan did not have the chance to return home to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Utilizing the winter break, free from academic pressure, to bring students together and enhance their workplace skills is a rare and valuable opportunity that aligns with Shih Chien University’s commitment to holistic education.
The four-day camp gathered 58 participants from 18 countries, where they learned job-seeking skills and knowledge about working in Taiwan. The program also included visits to places such as the Taipei City Council, the Presidential Office, the Linkou Startup Terrace, and the Neihu Innovation Incubation Base. During these visits, Taipei City Councilor Hsu Chiao-Hsin and Luo Ching-Rong, Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Security Council’s New Southbound Policy Office, welcomed the participants and encouraged their future career development.
Based on a camp survey, 80% of participants expressed interest in staying in Taiwan for employment after graduation. To support this, the camp offered courses covering topics such as Taiwanese workplace interview skills, resume writing, workplace etiquette, and work visa applications. This comprehensive training aimed to deepen international students’ understanding of Taiwan’s job market.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many startups seeking to expand their businesses overseas were unable to physically explore foreign markets. Consequently, they turned to Taiwan’s international talent pool. The camp’s visits to companies facilitated two-way matchmaking, allowing enterprises to offer internship and job opportunities. This year’s camp not only equipped students with workplace skills but also helped businesses recruit international talent, creating a win-win scenario.
After the camp, a participant from Indonesia shared:
“Having the chance to enrich myself and prepare for the workplace during the holidays, especially through company visits and obtaining internship opportunities, is something I wouldn’t normally experience in the classroom.”
By combining courses with practical visits, the camp provided international talent with opportunities for co-learning and interdisciplinary exchange. The program aspires to empower international students to stay in Taiwan after graduation, connecting Taiwan to the global market.
