The Ministry of Education recently staged two seminars as part of government efforts to retain foreign students after they finish their studies in Taiwan.
According to the MOE, the events, held Feb. 18 in Taipei City and Feb. 25 in the southern port city of Kaohsiung, involved representatives from 56 tertiary institutions and 31 entities in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, long-term care, machinery and metal industries.
Participants exchanged views on issues such as curriculum planning, practical training, career placement and employment market outlook. Through discussions and information sharing, the events informed local colleges and universities on evolving workforce needs and gave international students insight into the domestic job market and strengths of local sectors.
The MOE also invited officials from the Ministries of Economic Affairs, the Interior and Labor to bring attendees up to speed on employment conditions and work permit and residency regulations for foreign and overseas Chinese students.
The MOE launched a four-year program in 2024 to offer career counseling and employment support for international students in Taiwan, with a total budget of NT$1.08 billion (US$32.93 million).
The program utilizes a four-pronged approach: designating dedicated employment counseling staff for foreign students at every college and university in the country; working with local businesses on course design and enhancing foreign students’ Mandarin proficiency; establishing standard operating procedures for career planning; and implementing national employment tracking. (SFC-E)
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