To spare parents the inconvenience of traveling long distances, the Center for Holistic Education at Tamkang University held its “2026 Junior Year Abroad Parent Orientation” online for the first time. A total of 68 faculty members, students, and parents participated virtually on April 25 at 9:30 a.m. During the event, faculty advisors from various departments addressed parents’ concerns regarding visas, accommodation, and other overseas study matters through group discussions, providing practical guidance and recommendations. In his presentation, Dean of International Affairs and Convener of the Junior Year Abroad Advisory Group, Professor Chien-Mu Yeh, reassured parents by stating, “The university will continue to work alongside parents as a pair of invisible wings, accompanying students as they spread their wings to the world and pursue their dreams.”

The orientation opened with remarks by Professor Hui-Huang Hsu, Academic Vice President and Center Director, who introduced the program’s vision and support mechanisms. Also present were Professor Cheng-Hao Pao, Dean of the College of International Affairs and Executive Secretary of the Center, and faculty advisors affiliated with the Center for Holistic Education. Hsu noted that previous information sessions had always been held at the Tamsui Campus, but this year the university chose an online format to reduce travel burdens for parents. He also highlighted that Tamkang University has promoted its Holistic Education philosophy—including English-medium instruction, residential college education, and the Junior Year Abroad Program—for more than 20 years, and emphasized that the faculty advisors possess extensive experience in supporting students throughout the process.

Prof. Yeh explained that many students emerge from their Junior Year Abroad experience not only with enhanced professional knowledge, but also with the initiative to pursue areas of personal interest. More importantly, they develop resilience through independent living and transform cross-cultural communication skills into valuable assets for future careers. He further outlined the university’s strengthened support mechanisms, noting that more than 25 specialized guidance sessions have been offered this semester. In addition, the “Junior Year Abroad Advisory Tracking System” has been implemented to systematically monitor key milestones, including flight confirmations, language examinations, overseas adaptation, and course registration progress.

During the breakout discussion sessions, the Center established eight online meeting rooms to address the differing circumstances of partner institutions. Faculty advisors also invited alumni and senior students to share firsthand experiences. Associate Professor Song-Ling Chih from the English Department invited senior English major Tzu-Hua Chen to discuss practical issues such as transportation card usage and campus employment tax regulations at California State University, Long Beach. Associate Professor Anna Rudakowska from the Department of Global Politics and Economics and Department of International Tourism Management Chair Pin-Ju Juan presented video testimonials from senior students Hsiao-Fen Ho and Yun-Ya Chen, who introduced course registration procedures and healthcare systems at the University of Warsaw and Maria Curie-Skłodowska University. In addition, faculty advisors, including Assistant Professors Duen-Kai Chen, Liou Chu from the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, Wei-Ting Wang from the English Department, and I-Hsuan Shih from the International Tourism Management Department, provided guidance on application requirements such as proof of financial support and other institution-specific procedures. The Center for Holistic Education will compile and update all relevant information and guidance on its official website for students and parents to access in the future.