NSYSU welcomes government officials from 15 European countries for in-depth study visit
2026-09-07
National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) welcomed 34 government officials from 15 European countries to Taiwan in August for a 12-day study program aimed at deepening their understanding of Taiwan and strengthening Taiwan–Europe connections.
Commissioned by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education (MOE), with the participation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Trade Administration, the program was organized by NSYSU with support from the Education Division of the Taipei Representative Office in the EU and Belgium.
The program offered participants an opportunity to explore Taiwan from multiple perspectives. NSYSU brought together scholars and experts for sessions on Taiwan’s politics, economy, education, society and culture, as well as Taiwan–Europe relations. Mandarin classes, discussions and cultural activities complemented the academic program and gave participants a broader experience of Taiwan.
To provide first-hand insights into Taiwan’s public policies and social development, NSYSU arranged visits to the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade Administration, National Development Council, and Kaohsiung City Government. The delegation also traveled to Taipei, Lukang, Sun Moon Lake, and Kaohsiung to experience Taiwan’s local communities, culture, and development.
Political Deputy Minister of Education Liu Kuo-wei expressed hope that the visit would deepen European officials’ understanding of Taiwan’s development in trade, research, education, and culture, while creating further opportunities for Taiwan–Europe cooperation.
Reflecting on the visit, Jan De Craemer, Policy Advisor for Digital Education at the Flemish Ministry of Education, Belgium, said the program offered “an invaluable insight into a dynamic and forward-looking Taiwan.” He highlighted what the delegation learned about Taiwan’s political system, tech-driven economy, AI and smart cities, and education system. He also noted that the knowledge gained and relationships built would stay with participants long after their return to Europe. “We look forward to strengthening the partnerships and friendships that started here, and to exploring new opportunities for cooperation in the years ahead,” De Craemer said.
Gesa Kristina Johannes, Head of Unit at the Ministry of Education of Lower Saxony, Germany, said the experience had changed her perspective on Taiwan. Before the visit, her understanding had largely been shaped by news reports, political discussions, and economic statistics. Meeting scholars, public officials, and local people and experiencing Taiwan first-hand gave her a richer and more human understanding of the country. She described the conclusion of the visit not as an ending, but as “the opening of a door” to new friendships, professional connections, and future cooperation.
Prof. Ming-Hsuan Lee, Vice President for International Affairs at NSYSU, emphasized that the program went beyond introducing Taiwan to European officials. “Over nearly two weeks of learning, visits, and conversations, participants gained first-hand perspectives on Taiwan’s politics, education, economy, society, and culture while building connections across countries and institutions,” Lee said. “NSYSU will continue to serve as a platform for international exchange, helping international friends experience Taiwan’s development, openness, diversity, and hospitality first-hand. We hope these experiences will lead to deeper mutual understanding and lasting connections between Taiwan and Europe.”
National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) welcomed 34 government officials from 15 European countries to Taiwan in August for a 12-day study program aimed at deepening their understanding of Taiwan and strengthening Taiwan–Europe connections.
Commissioned by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education (MOE), with the participation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Trade Administration, the program was organized by NSYSU with support from the Education Division of the Taipei Representative Office in the EU and Belgium.
The program offered participants an opportunity to explore Taiwan from multiple perspectives. NSYSU brought together scholars and experts for sessions on Taiwan’s politics, economy, education, society and culture, as well as Taiwan–Europe relations. Mandarin classes, discussions and cultural activities complemented the academic program and gave participants a broader experience of Taiwan.
To provide first-hand insights into Taiwan’s public policies and social development, NSYSU arranged visits to the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade Administration, National Development Council, and Kaohsiung City Government. The delegation also traveled to Taipei, Lukang, Sun Moon Lake, and Kaohsiung to experience Taiwan’s local communities, culture, and development.
Political Deputy Minister of Education Liu Kuo-wei expressed hope that the visit would deepen European officials’ understanding of Taiwan’s development in trade, research, education, and culture, while creating further opportunities for Taiwan–Europe cooperation.
Reflecting on the visit, Jan De Craemer, Policy Advisor for Digital Education at the Flemish Ministry of Education, Belgium, said the program offered “an invaluable insight into a dynamic and forward-looking Taiwan.” He highlighted what the delegation learned about Taiwan’s political system, tech-driven economy, AI and smart cities, and education system. He also noted that the knowledge gained and relationships built would stay with participants long after their return to Europe. “We look forward to strengthening the partnerships and friendships that started here, and to exploring new opportunities for cooperation in the years ahead,” De Craemer said.
Gesa Kristina Johannes, Head of Unit at the Ministry of Education of Lower Saxony, Germany, said the experience had changed her perspective on Taiwan. Before the visit, her understanding had largely been shaped by news reports, political discussions, and economic statistics. Meeting scholars, public officials, and local people and experiencing Taiwan first-hand gave her a richer and more human understanding of the country. She described the conclusion of the visit not as an ending, but as “the opening of a door” to new friendships, professional connections, and future cooperation.
Prof. Ming-Hsuan Lee, Vice President for International Affairs at NSYSU, emphasized that the program went beyond introducing Taiwan to European officials. “Over nearly two weeks of learning, visits, and conversations, participants gained first-hand perspectives on Taiwan’s politics, education, economy, society, and culture while building connections across countries and institutions,” Lee said. “NSYSU will continue to serve as a platform for international exchange, helping international friends experience Taiwan’s development, openness, diversity, and hospitality first-hand. We hope these experiences will lead to deeper mutual understanding and lasting connections between Taiwan and Europe.”
Click Num:
Share