The Office of International and Cross-Strait Affairs at Tamkang University held the 2026 Study Abroad Flag Presentation Ceremony at 2:30 p.m. on June 30 in the Student Activity Center. During the 2026–2027 academic year, 277 students will study abroad at 92 sister and partner universities across 21 countries. The ceremony was attended by President Huan-Chao Keh, the University's three vice presidents, numerous academic and administrative leaders, 149 outgoing exchange students, and nearly 70 parents and family members. Distinguished guests included Kouta Ouchi, Director of the Press and Culture Department of the Japan–Taiwan Exchange Association; Airy QUILLERÉ, Higher Education Cooperation Officer at the French Office in Taipei; and Kirill BELIAEV, Special Assistant to the Representative of the Moscow–Taipei Coordination Commission on Economic and Cultural Cooperation, all of whom offered their congratulations and best wishes to the students embarking on their international journeys.
In his remarks, President Keh first congratulated the outgoing students, describing overseas study as a rare and invaluable opportunity during university life. He noted that studying abroad not only strengthens academic expertise and foreign language proficiency but also broadens international perspectives, develops intercultural communication skills, and prepares students to become responsible global citizens. He further emphasized that, guided by Tamkang University's Triple Objectives of Education, the University has long been committed to internationalization by continuously expanding overseas exchange opportunities and enhancing study-abroad support services to help students successfully adapt to life and learning abroad. He concluded by encouraging students to embrace challenges with confidence, make the most of every learning opportunity during their exchange, and return home enriched with knowledge, experience, and unforgettable memories.
During the flag presentation ceremony, President Keh formally presented the University flag to Chien-Mu Yeh, Vice President for International Affairs, as well as to the department chairs representing the outgoing exchange students. Waving the University flag, they led the audience in enthusiastic cheers, sending the students off with heartfelt encouragement and best wishes. Parents, family members, and friends raised their phones to capture this memorable milestone. The three international guests also shared reflections from their own cross-cultural experiences. Drawing on his years of living in Taiwan, Kouta Ouchi encouraged students to explore different cultures with curiosity, step beyond their comfort zones, and embrace the rich experiences that come with living abroad. Airy QUILLERÉ reminded students that university is not only a place to acquire knowledge but also an important stage for developing a global outlook and intercultural understanding. Kirill BELIAEV quoted the Russian poet Fyodor Tyutchev, encouraging students to immerse themselves in local communities, languages, cultures, and history, emphasizing that only through firsthand experience can one truly understand another country and gain the most meaningful study abroad experience.
Representing returning exchange students, Zi-Yu Lin, a graduate of the Department of Educational Technology, reflected that her year abroad had helped her grow through linguistic, cultural, and everyday challenges while gaining a deeper understanding of herself. She encouraged younger students to step beyond their comfort zones, saying, "Only by leaving your comfort zone can you discover a broader world and become a better version of yourself." Representing the outgoing students, Chia-Ching Huang, a junior in the Department of German, and Hsi-Tzu Liao, a sophomore in the English-Taught Program of the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, shared their excitement and expectations for the coming year, expressing gratitude to the University for providing international learning opportunities and to their families for their unwavering support. Liao concluded with an inspiring message: "You never truly know how far you can go," encouraging her fellow students to embrace the unknown and treasure every opportunity for learning and personal growth during their time abroad.
Vice President for International Affairs Hsiao-Chuan Chen concluded the ceremony with what she described as "three expressions of gratitude and one reminder." She emphasized that Tamkang University's long-standing Junior Abroad and exchange programs are hallmarks of the University's commitment to internationalization. These programs not only enhance students' global mobility but also cultivate intercultural communication skills and international perspectives, providing a strong foundation for future career development. She encouraged the outgoing students to embrace the world with confidence, broaden their horizons with the support of their teachers and mentors, and make the most of this transformative international experience.