Taiwanese Delegation Participates in NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo

Organized by the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan (FICHET), a high-level delegation of higher education representatives from Taiwan universities attended the NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo held in San Diego, California, from May 27 to May 30. FICHET Chairperson Prof. Cheng-Chi Wu led a contingent of 43 representatives from 17 Taiwanese universities and institutions to promote and expand higher education collaboration between Taiwan and the United States.

The world's largest international education conference, this year's NAFSA meeting adopted the theme of "Purpose, Place, and Partnership" to emphasize the core values of education and the importance of establishing enduring and robust partnerships across campuses, communities, and nations. The conference attracted nearly ten thousand participants from one hundred countries attended the conference, highlighting the dynamism and diversity of international educational exchange.

The "Study in Taiwan" highlighted how close integration of Taiwan’s higher education system with its thriving technology sector has positioned Taiwan as a "Technology Hub". This strategic focus aims to attract international talent to Taiwan, particularly in the growing fields of artificial intelligence and technological innovation, thereby building on Taiwan’s strong foundations in technology R&D.

FICHET Chairperson Prof. Cheng-Chi Wu emphasized the longstanding and vital partnership between Taiwan and the United States in higher education. Both nations champion free and open educational exchange and are actively expanding language education initiatives. Currently, nearly three thousand American students are studying Mandarin in Taiwan, and Taiwan has established 68 Taiwan Centers for Mandarin Learning in cities across the United States, creating mutual benefit and deepening educational ties.

 On May 28, a "Taiwan Night" networking dinner was co-hosted by FICHET and Director David Lee, Education Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Los Angeles, and Director Sophie Chou, Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States. The event brought together approximately 150 attendees, including representatives from participating Taiwanese universities and 40 international partner institutions. The gathering further enhances exchanges and cooperation within the Taiwan-U.S. higher education communities and creates new opportunities for future collaborations.

The Taiwan delegation to the NAFSA Annual Conference not only showcased the strengths and international outlook of Taiwan's higher education sector but also built upon the robust educational partnership between Taiwan and the United States and the continued bilateral commitment to expanding global exchange opportunities.