The list of 34 students winning 2008 Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship was announced sometime ago, and six of TKU students from various institutes of the International Relations were also on the list. They are awarded with NT$ 25,000 each.These students are Guo Yi-ling, (European Studies), Lue Chi-han (China Studies), Huang Chieh-da (Japanese Studies) Huang Kuan-ming (Russian Studies), and Shia Wei-wen (East-Asian Studies).

This scholarship is awarded to students who show dedication and promises in the sphere of international affairs and political studies in their academic scores. It also examines applicants’ vision and desire in joining foreign missions and what they can bring to the diplomatic forces of Taiwan. All six TKU awarded demonstrated such passion and potential in their applications.

Guo Yi-ling, for instance, would like to become a diplomat advancing Taiwan’s interests internationally. She thanks her professors, particularly her supervisor, Dr. Kuo Chiu-ching, in inspiring and helping her securing this scholarship. Hsia Wei-Wen, also expresses her gratitude to the professors in her institute. Furthermore, she reminds future applicants to indicate their serious desire in joining foreign missions and a thorough understanding of foreign policies by having a well-organized proposal. She wrote one on Vietnam’s foreign policies toward Spratly Islands, which, she believes, won her the scholarship. ( ~Ying-hsueh Hu )