[Photo、Article/Bethany Anne Green]
[Edit/Office of Public Affairs]
On May 10, 2019, a delegation from Nicolaus Copernicus University (NCU), Torun, arrived at Shih Hsin University (SHU) to sign a memorandum of understanding officially recognizing the two institution’s commitment to future academic collaboration.
The memorandum formally acknowledges SHU and NCU’s intentions to collaborate in four areas: journalism in fields of mutual interest, research exchange programs, student exchange program, and academic publication exchange.
The signing of the memorandum marks SHU’s first partnership with a University in Poland.
Four Polish delegates attended the signing ceremony, including NCU Vice-rector, Dr. Wojciech Wysota, Dean of the Faculty of Language, Dr. Przemyslaw Nehring, Director of the Center for Polish Language and Culture for Foreigners, Dr. Malgorzata Berend, and Director of the Center for Chinese Culture and Language, Dr. Maciej Szatkowski. They were personally received by 10 representatives from SHU, including Vice-President Dr. Horng-Twu, Liaw, Dean of International Affairs Dr. David Wu, and current NCU exchange student, Mr. Jakub Gorny.
The ceremony began with a brief welcome, introductory videos from both institutions, and remarks from SHU Vice-President Dr. Horng-Twu, Liaw and NCU Vice-rector, Dr. Wojciech Wysota.
Dr. Horng-Twu commenced his address by commenting on the academic value of the partnership.
“In the years to come, the joint collaboration between our two universities will continue to grow and develop,” he said.
“We are committed to working better, and more closely, towards common goals – the pursuit of holistic education, the availability of international opportunities, and research programs which will ensure graduates will become successful individuals in their selected careers.”
He further stated that this event marked an important milestone for the internationalization of education at Shih Hsin University.
During his address, NCU Vice-rector, Dr. Wojciech Wysota emphasized his belief that the cooperation would bring about tangible benefits for students and staff at both institutions.
“I firmly believe this is the beginning of the prosperous cooperation between our institutions,” Dr. Wysota said. “I look forward to future cooperation in different fields – student exchanges, common research projects, common conferences in different fields, and also the exchange of staff including visiting professors from the universities.”
Mr. Jakub Gorny, a 3rd-year student from the Faculty of Earth Sciences, NCU, and current exchange student at SHU was present for the ceremony. He reflected on the value of the new partnership from a university student’s perspective.
“It is said that, ‘Education is for improving the lives of others and leaving your community and world better than you found it.’ After studying at Nicolaus Copernicus University and Shih Hsin University, I genuinely believe this is the main aim of both universities, and also of the students who attend these institutions,” Mr. Gorny said.
“This is a valuable opportunity for us to exchange both academics and cultures, and to expand our worldviews. I am both honored and grateful to have been a part of this developing cooperation.”
SHU has now established formal partnerships with 163 international sister schools, providing a diverse and exciting range of opportunities for students, and further promoting academic exchange between Taiwan and the rest of the world.