The China Youth Corps (CYC, 中國青年救國團), after upholding anti-communist doctrines for almost half a century, is set to pay friendly visits to universities in China, local media reported.
The CYC is currently recruiting local high-school, college and university students for its two group visits to China.
The first group will visit Beijing University (北京大學) and Qing Hua University (清華大學) and is leaving for Beijing on Jan. 25.
The second group will visit Fudan University (
The CYC was established by former president Chiang Ching-kuo (蔣經國) on Oct. 31, 1952 -- in an effort to organize military training camps for high-school, college and university students.
The CYC was sponsored by the KMT until 1989.
It has transformed itself into a private organization which is aimed at guiding youth in their growth and development through various activities.
The organization frequently holds lectures and seminars to educate teenagers and young adults while constantly providing popular outdoor recreational programs during summer and winter vacations.
After 48 years, the CYC finally changed its outdated Chinese name, which means the "China Youth Anti-Communist Nation Salvation Corps" (中國青年反共救國團), to "China Youth Nation Salvation Corps" on Oct. 31 of last year.
Meanwhile, the CYC president Jeanne Li (李鍾桂) has actively promoted exchanges with China in recent years.
According to the CYC, it has sponsored youth cultural and educational exchanges with other countries for many years so the experience can "broaden young people's horizons."
The CYC also says that more than 2,000 Taiwanese students are now studying in 132 colleges or universities across China. In fact, more than 200 Taiwanese students have applied to study at the renowned Beijing University this year, three times more than in the previous year.
After Taiwan's entry into the WTO in January of next year, the country will open its educational market according to the world trade body's rules.
The CYC, therefore, believes that it is crucial for local students to have a very clear understanding of the education environment on the other side of the Taiwan Strait.
RSS