The International College: Embellishing the Pioneering Spirit of Tunghai

The newest college at Tunghai University, the International College (IC), is strengthening the internationalization of the university and preparing students for the global community. The IC features English-taught Bachelor of Science degrees in International Business Administration (IBA) and Sustainability Science and Management (SSM). These programs focus on multi-disciplinary learning, global thinking, innovation and entrepreneurship. A unique feature is the Liberal Arts approach of the Global Leadership (GL) Program. The goal of the GL courses is to enhance students’ international awareness and global vision. Through coursework, public lectures, and special events and activities in an international atmosphere, students gain a multi-faceted, factual, and first-hand understanding of global trends in business, world economy, ecology, culture, and the arts.

The teachers, students, and overseas study opportunities create a unique international experience for the students in the International College. The faculty of the International College is composed of both local and international teachers, and over a quarter of the student population (degree-seeking and exchange students) are from overseas (26 different countries). This combination of teachers and students creates a truly international environment. Moreover, the college offers numerous exchange and dual degree programs with leading universities around the world. Nearly 80% of the first graduating class of IBA students studied overseas before they graduated.

Another unique feature of the International College is the Mentor Program. Each incoming class has an American mentor who helps students make the transition from high school to independent learners in an all-English environment. The mentors are from two of the top Liberal Arts schools in America: Davidson College and Trinity University. In addition to helping students master English, they host cultural activities and help students with their international exchange and college applications. Simply, they ensure that students are off to a good start on the road to success.

The IC creates a nurturing environment for students. Two teachers in the IC have won the Tunghai University Outstanding Teacher Award for offering innovative courses. Mr. James Gillespie was recognized for being the first and only teacher in Taiwan to integrate the Color Accounting curriculum into his Accounting course. Color Accounting combines visual and kinesthetic learning practices to alleviate students’ fears of math. Students can then competently navigate the language of accounting and feel confident in their abilities. The year before, Dr. James Sims won the award for his Leadership & Global Citizen for the 21st Century course which features interaction with global leaders from large international corporations and successful private entrepreneurs. Each week the speakers talk about leadership and what it takes to be successful, as well as what they look for in employees and what skill sets students should develop. This course has led to internships for students and job offers upon graduation. The recent addition of Dr. Annie Y. Tsai, who is also the new Dean of the Office of International Relations, has also added a new Social and Cultural Psychology dimension to the International College.

Warm regards,
James Sims