On September 19, the International Affairs Office at Asia University hosted an orientation specifically designed for international students, attracting about 90 newcomers from countries including Indonesia, Mongolia, India, Vietnam, and Pakistan. This event aimed to assist new students in quickly adapting to campus life, understanding Taiwan's legal regulations and culture, and providing further support and assistance.
Opening Remarks by the Director of the International Affairs Office
The orientation was led by Prof. Jenho Peter Ou, the dean of the International Affairs Office, who welcomed the new students and emphasized the university's commitment to internationalization. He expressed a warm welcome to students from all over the world, highlighting that the purpose of the session was not only to provide relevant information but also to help newcomers feel the warmth and support of the university community as they adapt to their new environment in Taiwan.
Prof. Jenho Peter Ou then introduced the members of the International Affairs Office, emphasizing that this team would serve as the primary resource for international students, ready to offer assistance and advice. He also invited representatives from the Chinese Language Center and the Student Affairs Office's Dormitory Service Group to introduce their services and responsibilities, helping new students better understand campus resources.
Important Campus Information from the Chinese Language Center and Dormitory Service Group
Following that, a representative from the Chinese Language Center introduced the Chinese language courses and resources available for international students. They noted that language is key to integrating into local society and culture, with Asia University offering courses from beginner to advanced levels to help international students improve their Chinese skills. The center also provides one-on-one language tutoring and encourages students to participate actively in cultural activities to gain a deeper understanding of life in Taiwan.
A representative from the Dormitory Service Group then detailed the regulations and important notes regarding dormitory life, reminding students to adhere to dormitory hours and maintain a clean environment. They emphasized the importance of safety management in the dormitories, advising new students to pay attention to security measures to ensure their safety.
Detailed Explanation of Visa, Insurance, and Work Permit Regulations
At the end of the orientation, members of the International Affairs Office provided detailed explanations regarding visas, insurance, and work permits, which are common concerns for international students. They reminded newcomers to pay attention to the validity of their visas and to renew them as necessary to avoid impacting their academic progress. Some students may need to report regularly to the immigration office, and these processes should be handled carefully.
Regarding insurance, the office recommended that students enroll in the health insurance program offered by the Taiwanese government to meet their daily medical needs, and introduced student-specific insurance plans developed in collaboration with insurance companies.
For those interested in working part-time in Taiwan, the office stressed that international students must obtain a legal work permit beforehand. Engaging in work without the proper authorization can lead to legal consequences. The International Affairs Office will assist students in applying for work permits, ensuring that their academic and work experiences in Taiwan are compliant with the law.
Fostering Interaction and Support Among International Students
This orientation not only provided practical information but also facilitated interaction and exchange among international students. The International Affairs Office encouraged newcomers to actively participate in both on-campus and off-campus activities to build friendships and support networks, enriching their study abroad experiences.
After the event, many new students expressed that the session helped address numerous questions and filled them with confidence about their future studies and lives. Emily, a newcomer from Indonesia, remarked, "This orientation gave me a deeper understanding of Asia University and how to handle my visa and insurance issues, making me feel much more at ease."
Asia University is committed to continually providing various forms of support to ensure that international students have a smooth and enriching experience in Taiwan.
