Re-examining Higher Education Internationalization in Taiwan: University Strategies for Implementing Overseas Programmes

Abstract

This study clarifies the rationale for offering overseas programmes as an internationalization strategy by Taiwanese higher education institutions through an analysis of related university documents and interview data. In doing so, this study highlights how institutional goals and characteristics, as well as social and cultural backgrounds, affect the internationalization of higher education based on the following two points. First, in addition to the pursuit of academic excellence and expanding student markets, university strategies are based on its particular history, resources, development goals, and orientation. Second, although different strategies were observed among the examined universities, the Chinese element and the pluralistic value of Taiwanese society have influenced the overseas programmes offered by Taiwanese universities. This paper argues that instead of merely adopting the international standard or pursuing academic excellence, it is essential for Taiwanese universities to implement internationalization strategies in order to determine their meaning and purpose in the context of Taiwanese higher education.

Experiences and Challenges of an English as a Medium of Instruction Course in Taiwan during COVID-19

“…The importance of having a broad perspective on things (or to become more internationalized) is considered to be an important goal of the EMI program in Taiwan. EMI has long been regarded by Taiwanese higher education institutions as an important strategy to internationalization [ 111 , 112 , 113 ]. As well as improving English language proficiency among Taiwanese students, EMI courses also contribute to the holistic approach to internationalizing universities, one important aspect of which is to have a common language for communication [ 45 ].…”

“…Additionally, local students have an increased opportunity to participate in study abroad exchanges (see Figure 5 ). Moreover, they are also part of the strategies for internationalizing higher education [ 111 , 112 ].…”

Investigating International Students’ Cultivation System for Higher Education Sustainability in China: Stakeholders’ Perspectives

“…To improve international students' comprehensive quality as the goal, the U.S., U.K., and Canada tend to strengthen the learning skills to cultivate international students' basic communication abilities and skills. For example, in the cultivation of international students, the PBL (Problem-Based Learning) teaching method is considered an important tool to improve the level of international students [57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65].…”

A Comparative Study of Higher Education Governance in Greater China

“…With Taiwan's entry into the World Trade Organization in 2002, policies concerning higher education internationalization were further emphasized to improve Taiwan's competition with other countries and expand its higher education market. The Taiwanese government designed the 'Plan (MOE, 2011;Liao, 2018).…”