Tamkang University has always adhered to the Triple Objectives of Education of globalization, Information-oriented Education, and Future-oriented Education. In order to allow students to see more diverse things through campus resources during their studies, Tamkang has highly valued "globalization" since its establishment and was the first university in Taiwan to promote junior study abroad. Dr. Chien-Mu Yeh, Dean of International Affairs, said that "international mobile learning is an excellent opportunity to break away from one's comfort zone, cultivate language abilities, and develop independent capabilities. The people, things, and environment encountered during the process can all become nutrients for students' growth."

All in English, All junior abroad, All boarding

As the pandemic eases and borders open, international mobility for learning is gradually getting back on track. Long-term overseas studies, short-term domestic and foreign training, and international kaleidoscope events held on campus all provide opportunities for students and faculty to interact with foreign students and broaden their horizons. At Tamkang University, in addition to exchange programs, students can also apply to study at partner schools. There is also an option for junior students to study abroad, which is the "3-All Policy " promoted by the university's Center for Holistic Education: all students gain complete exposure to English-based instruction; all third-year students spend a compulsory study abroad; and all students experience a residential college atmosphere. He stated that "this will become one of the characteristics of our university in the future."

Inheriting the holistic educational spirit of the Lanyang campus, the school adopts the refined education and holistic education concepts of top British universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. Dr. Chien-Mu Yeh stated that studying abroad in the third year is part of the "3-All Policy", and the departments currently implementing this plan mainly focus on the International College's Department Global Politics and Economics, Department of International Tourism Management, the English-taught Bachelor’s Program of Department of English, College of Foreign Languages and Literatures, and the English-taught Bachelor’s Program of the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, College of Engineering.

"These third-year students must study for one academic year at overseas partner universities before they can graduate. Through the rules set by the school, we hope to encourage students to change their familiar living environments, broaden their worldview, and develop the necessary skills to grow in the process."

Plan Early for Exchange Program and Third-Year Abroad

What is the biggest difference between the student exchange program and third-year study abroad? According to Dr. Chien-Mu Yeh, this is the most frequently asked question by students every year. The main difference between the two lies in the way tuition fees are calculated. Although some students have been discouraged from studying abroad due to financial considerations in the past, the Office of International Affairs occasionally announces news of study abroad scholarships on their website for interested students to apply for, reducing their financial burden. In addition, after students go to partner universities, the Office of International Affairs also maintains close contact with the partner universities and cares about the students' learning situation, providing assistance to ensure that they can study with peace of mind.

These opportunities to go abroad have also become an opportunity for students to move towards their aspirations. Dr. Chien-Mu Yeh explains, "In previous years, some students came to Tamkang University with the goal of studying abroad. These students will start urging themselves to prepare and plan for applying for exchange programs in their freshman year." They may want to work in foreign companies in the future or decide to stay abroad to find job opportunities. Therefore, the channels provided by Tamkang University have become their springboard, helping them adapt to different environments and expand more possibilities and visions for their future.