To help international students adapt to campus life, the Office of International and Cross-Strait Affairs held the “Overseas Students Orientation for Academic Year 2026–2027” at 9:30 a.m. on September 9 in the Chang Yeo-Lan International Conference Hall at the Hsu Shou-Chlien International Conference Center. More than 360 new Tamkang students from around the world gathered for the event, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.

In his remarks, Vice President for International Affairs Cheng-Hao Pao drew on his own experience studying in the United Kingdom. With humor, he recalled arriving with a computer and a Tatung rice cooker, and the anxiety he felt while searching for his dormitory on an almost deserted campus. His story resonated deeply with students facing the uncertainty of arriving in an unfamiliar environment. “When you encounter difficulties, don’t immediately think about giving up, and don’t feel that you are alone, because you still have us,” he said. He emphasized that Tamkang University and the Office of International and Cross-Strait Affairs would always stand behind the students. He encouraged new international students to build student associations, support one another, step outside their comfort zones, explore Taiwan with curiosity, and make every effort to learn Chinese. By combining Chinese proficiency with their existing language skills, he noted, students could create even more possibilities for their future and turn their study-abroad experience into an unforgettable journey.

The event also featured a series of briefings on campus life. Yi-Jie Dong, an officer from the Tamsui Precinct of the New Taipei City Police Department, emphasized the principle that “prevention is better than cure,” sharing personal safety tips and a three-step approach to fraud prevention. She also reminded students to remember the “165” anti-fraud hotline and the “110” police emergency number. Counseling psychologist Hao-Ju Hsu used lively scenario-based exercises to discuss cross-cultural communication and interpersonal boundaries, emphasizing that mutual respect for one another’s feelings is an essential foundation for cultural adaptation and gender equality. Hsing-Yu Lin, a staff member of the Department of English, explained the regulations governing English courses and reminded eligible students to apply for English course waivers within the first two weeks of the semester and to take other elective courses to make up the required graduation credits. The briefing was designed to help international students plan their academic paths with confidence.

Toward the end of the event, Dean of International Affairs Chien-Mu Yeh encouraged students to “study seriously, enjoy life fully, and put your plans into action,” urging them to balance academic work with exploring life beyond the classroom. He then introduced the international affairs team one by one and explained the various support services available to students. He also introduced a variety of student organizations, including associations for international, Indonesian, Japanese, and Vietnamese students, helping newcomers become familiar with the campus more quickly and begin their new chapter at Tamkang with confidence.

The new students also shared their hopes and expectations for university life. Isa Shimoyama, a first-year student in the Department of Chinese from Japan, said that because her mother is Taiwanese, she decided to study in Taiwan to strengthen her Chinese proficiency and hopes to make more local friends. Azael Emmanuel Cobb, a first-year student in the Department of International Business from Russia, said that various university offices provided detailed explanations that helped him quickly understand where to seek assistance on campus. He plans to focus fully on his studies while actively immersing himself in Taiwanese culture. Ai-Ling Cheng, a first-year student in the Department of Diplomacy and International Relations from Indonesia, expressed appreciation for the warm welcome from faculty members and fellow students, and said she looks forward to expanding her international social circle while taking on the challenge of learning a new language.