Chinese college students who are studying on exchange programs praised Taiwan’s higher education yesterday, saying they have benefited from its openness.
Yuan Tao said she has been impressed by the openness and liberalization of the education environment, adding that she also likes the democratic atmosphere on Yuan Ze University’s campus.
A chemistry major from Nanjing University, Yuan told a press conference held by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) that the education system here promotes individual thought and provides an advanced way of learning.
The KMT has been pushing for the passage of amendments to allow Chinese students to enroll in local universities and colleges.
The Democratic Progressive Party is opposed to the move, saying Chinese students could hurt Taiwanese students’ job prospects.
Taiwanese schools place heavy emphasis on students’ work experience by offering a wide variety of part-time jobs, Yuan said, adding that this helps reduce the financial burden on students.
She said she felt safe in Taiwan with the support of her teachers and classmates, adding: “I will feel sad when I leave Taiwan.”
Liao Minmin, another Chinese chemistry major at Yuan Ze University, said the university had good facilities, including a library and a great swimming pool.
“I could not swim until I came to Taiwan,” Liao said.
Yuan and Liao are among 45 Chinese graduate students studying at the university.
Yu Nein-i, head of the school’s International Student Office, said the presence of Chinese students has enhanced mutual understanding in the academic sectors on either side of the Taiwan Strait, while their participation in discussions has raised Taiwan’s research ability.
Minister of Education Wu Ching-chi (吳清基) said the enrollment of Chinese university students into local schools would help them feel closer to Taiwan.
Many could become the next generation of leaders in China, which would help improve cross-strait ties, Wu said.
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