The COVID-19 pandemic has gradually subsided and international exchanges are resuming. Consequently, the University of Taipei (UT) has been actively engaging in various exchange activities with its partner institutions around the world. In 2023, UT resumed its study abroad program with international partner institutions. In May, Professor Christine Gustafson from the School of Music of East Carolina University (ECU) led 6 students to UT for a three-week study abroad program. The curriculum included special guided music courses, Mandarin language lessons, cultural tours, nature experiences, and on-site lessons and experiences of Chinese culture.

In-depth Experiential Learning
UT's Bo-Ai and Tian-Mu Campuses, located in the heart of Taipei City, offer convenient transportation and are surrounded by numerous cultural and natural attractions. The three-week program included specialized classes such as orchestra ensembles and instrumental performances in the Department of Music, as well as Mandarin language learning and various on-site cultural immersion courses. The Chinese cultural experiences included calligraphy, ink painting, and the diabolo. For the historical and cultural tours, the visitors traveled to landmarks such as the National Theater and Concert Hall, the National Palace Museum, Dadaocheng, and temples. The nature experiences included hiking on the Xiangshan Hiking Trail and exploring the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area. UT arranged diverse cultural experiences for international students, allowing them to learn the language, explore Taipei City, and enhance their understanding of Taiwan. At the same time, these measures also increased UT's international visibility. It is hoped that all visiting students will leave Taiwan with unforgettable memories and carry a wealth of knowledge back home.

Chamber Music Joint Concert
On May 25, the Department of Music, UT and the visiting faculty and students from ECU held a joint music concert. Faculty and students from both universities performed together in chamber music ensembles. The joint concert not only showcased tangible results from this academic exchange but also helped foster collaboration and interaction between the faculty and students from the two institutions. It also helped provide the performers with more stage experience. Despite the short duration of the three-week study abroad program, the faculty and students from both universities were able to integrate different music instruction styles, infused innovation into their performances, and delivered a rich music performance within a limited time. Eric Chen, Chair of the Department of Music, UT, especially emphasized the “thoughtfulness and diversity of the concert program, the excellence of the flute instructors from both universities, and high level of the student performances,” thus affirming the achievements of the exchange between the two universities.

International Orientation and Partner Institution Exchange Model
In recent years, UT has been actively pursuing substantive exchanges and strengthening interactions with international students, focusing on creating a multicultural learning environment that allows more students to experience the culturally rich atmosphere of Taipei City. UT currently has 162 partner institutions worldwide and is placing a greater emphasis on substantive exchanges among partner institutions. By stimulating creativity through collaborations and exchanges, UT aims to cultivate a new generation of globally-minded talent.