To tackle issues related to Mainland exchange students, the Institute of China Studies held the Symposium for Mainland Exchange Students to Share Attainments. 20 Mainland exchange students attended it, discussing their study and life problems and thoughts. The Director of the Institute of China Studies Wu-ueh Chang, said, “Through the symposium, we have known the problems and needs of the Mainland exchange students, and they could be useful information references for future policy making.”

1. Jilin University exchange student Chinese master freshman Da-ping Sun shared photos of Xiao Hong’s former residence with students in Chinese Professor Cheng-hui Lu’s class, letting them see her old writing background. Xiao Hong is the author of the novel Tales of Hulan River. Prof. Lu is preparing to take a group of students there for a visit for cultural exchange in the coming summer vacation, and Da-ping volunteered as their “local tour guide.” Xiamen University exchange student Chinese freshman Tsui-chi Chen expressed that she didn’t have a sense of belonging here. It was difficult for Mainland exchange students to have proper health care as they could not have any health insurance. Xiamen University exchange student International Trade freshman Wen-qiang Xiao pointed out that facing the attraction of high scholarships offered by American and Hong Kong universities, Taiwan didn’t have any advantage to attract excellent students because of the government policy of “3 Limits and 6 Nos.”

The Director of the Office of Culture and Education, SEF, Chi-ming Sun expressed that according to the law, Mainland exchange students cannot have health insurance as they stay here for only a short period of time. Educational Policy and Leadership Professor Che-sheng Gai suggested that civic organizations and enterprises set up scholarships for Mainland exchange students, and universities strengthen their counseling and care for the life and studies of Mainland exchange students, so they don’t have to worry too much. He also proposed that TV stations add more Mainland channels, so they don’t have much home sickness. ( ~Dean X. Wang )