Written by NCKU Office of Internation Affairs. Image credit to NCKU News Center.
University of Pittsburgh delegation was funded by the Fulbright Foundation to conduct a one-month trip to learn about Taiwan.
On July 4, the Office of International Affairs at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) had the honor of hosting a delegation from the University of Pittsburgh’s Asian Studies Center, led by Associate Director Dr. James A. Cook. The visit was part of a Fulbright Foundation-supported program aimed at introducing K-12 and community college educators to Taiwan’s rich history and culture. This initiative underscores the importance of fostering academic and cultural exchange between institutions in Taiwan and the United States.
Professor Young introduced the story behind the historical buildings on the campus to the delegation.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by Chair Professor Sun-Yuan Hsieh, Vice President for International Affairs at NCKU, who delivered a brief introduction on NCKU’s contributions to education and research. To provide the visitors with a comprehensive understanding of Tainan’s historical and cultural significance, Associate Professor Joseph Young from the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering delivered an insightful presentation. Professor Young highlighted the city’s rich heritage and the diverse social fabric of the region. In celebration of American Independence Day, Professor Young donned a baseball cap adorned with the U.S. flag, extending warm holiday greetings to the guests.
Following the presentation, Professor Young led the delegation on a campus tour, offering them an opportunity to explore NCKU’s historical landmarks and gain firsthand insight into its academic environment. The tour also emphasized Tainan’s unique cultural narrative, showcasing how the university and city have preserved their historical roots while embracing modernity.
Professor Hsieh presented a gift to Dr. James A. Cook, Associate Director of Asian Studies Center of University of Pittsburgh.
The recent visit signifies a pivotal development in the ongoing collaboration between NCKU and the University of Pittsburgh. Since formally establishing an academic partnership in 2025, the Department of Nursing at NCKU and the School of Nursing at the University of Pittsburgh have engaged in consistent exchanges, underpinned by a shared dedication to Taiwan studies and cross-cultural engagement. As bilateral discussions advance, prospective initiatives—including joint research endeavors and co-developed online courses—are expected to further strengthen institutional ties and expand academic and educational opportunities for both students and faculty.
The Office of International Affairs at NCKU remains dedicated to its mission of promoting global engagement and looks forward to furthering partnerships that celebrate Taiwan’s vibrant history and culture on an international stage.
