NCUE international ambassadors consisting of local students led a few students from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology to experience the local culture by visiting some historic sites around Changhua. The experience of being international ambassadors recruited and trained by OICA helps the members broaden their horizons and develop global mobility by participating in international guest receptions, offering assistance to international students, and managing international exchange activities. This experience also becomes some of the students’ best memories in college.

The visitors led by Professor Tse-Chuan Hung in the Faculty of Business and Information Technology at UOIT came for an internship. Aside from planning the itinerary for the attractions in Changhua, including Baguashan Great Buddha, Roundhouse, and Lukang Longshan Temple, NCUE international ambassadors acted as tour guides all the way, offering UOIT students an unforgettable experience.

International ambassadors are recruited and managed by OICA. By participating in guest receptions, offering assistance to international students, and managing activities, they not only have opportunities to interact directly with people from overseas and international students, but they also enable themselves to broaden horizons, develop professional knowledge and skills, and enhance the soft power of people-to-people diplomacy. Some students inspired by the experience decided to study on exchange or apply for advanced studies abroad.

OICA recruits international ambassadors in March each year. Admitted students have no term limits for this job and can earn volunteer hours based on the tasks fulfilled. Those who perform excellently will be awarded a certificate. According to OICA, there are no specific requirements for becoming an international ambassador except for good English skills. This year the international ambassadors are from the departments of Biology, Accounting, English, Chinese, Guidance and Counseling, Mechatronics Engineering, Public Affairs and Civic Education, etc. OICA has been offering them training programs for professional competence such as campus guide, reception etiquette, video shooting, makeup skills and language skills. Moreover, the international ambassadors have had regular meetings discussing strategy execution and share experience with each other, which help them develop a strong and close relationship.

Last year NCUE was honored with the Ministry of Education’s Award for Excellence in International Student Guidance and Counseling. NCUE, the only winner in central Taiwan, was one of five universities to receive this prestigious award in Taiwan. The contributions of the system of international ambassadors and “student buddies” towards facilitating cultural exchange and helping international students adapt to the environment in Taiwan cannot go unnoticed.