Taiwan Strengthens Educational Ties with Europe at EAIE 2025 in Gothenburg

From September 9 to 12, 2025, Gothenburg, Sweden, hosted the 35th European Association for International Education (EAIE) conference, an event pivotal for higher education institutions seeking to forge connections across borders. This year, Taiwan took center stage, bringing a delegation of nearly 50 representatives from 19 prestigious universities, all coordinated by the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan (FICHET).

Professor Tsai-Yen Li, the president of FICHET, emphasized the significance of the EAIE conference as an essential platform for Taiwanese universities to engage with their European counterparts. This engagement covers a wide array of critical issues, including student mobility, research collaboration, and the establishment of academic partnerships. Notably, officials from Taiwan’s diplomatic mission in Sweden, such as Dr. Klement Ruey-sheng GU and staff members, actively supported these efforts.

The past five years have witnessed a remarkable exchange of students between Taiwan and Europe, with over 27,000 European students studying in Taiwan, a vast majority coming from EU member states. Conversely, more than 50,000 Taiwanese students have pursued studies across European universities, illustrating a flourishing relationship in educational exchanges. President Li highlighted that the Taiwan-EU relations are characterized by close cooperation across various sectors, particularly in trade, culture, and education, with education being a central pillar.

Since 2006, Taiwan's Ministry of Education has extended scholarships up to $16,000 (approximately 13,700 euros) annually to Taiwanese students who are on the waiting list for the Erasmus+ Mundus joint master's program but have not secured EU funding. This initiative has supported 131 individuals to date, demonstrating Taiwan’s commitment to facilitating academic opportunities for its students.

Further enhancing educational collaboration, the Taiwan-Europe short-term semiconductor training program, initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2022, has permitted 348 European students and professionals to gain hands-on experience in Taiwan's semiconductor industry through short courses.

To foster deeper interactions among participants, FICHET organized a “Taiwan Night” networking dinner on September 10, attracting around 100 attendees, including representatives from the 19 Taiwanese universities and their partner institutions. This event served as a crucial platform for meaningful exchanges, reinforcing the potential for future collaborations between Taiwanese and European academic entities.

Looking ahead, FICHET remains dedicated to these international exchanges, seeking to create bridges between Taiwanese universities and globally prestigious institutions. The foundation aims to deepen academic ties with European universities while promoting a sustainable cycle of talent development and innovation. This strategy is designed to enhance Taiwan's global presence in the higher education sector.

In summary, Taiwan’s active involvement in the EAIE 2025 demonstrates its determination to strengthen educational relationships with Europe, which reflects a broader commitment to enhancing international cooperation in education, research, and cultural exchange. The initiatives and partnerships forged during this conference will undoubtedly contribute to a more interconnected educational landscape, benefiting future generations of students.

Taiwan Education Conference