National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) is planning to sponsor the studies of up to 40 Ukrainian students on its campus to show its support for the country that has been invaded by Russia, it said Friday.
NYCU Vice President Wei Shun-hua (???) said an ongoing fundraising campaign launched in April to meet that goal has received several substantial donations from various companies and alumni that can support four-year study programs for at least 30 students.
Under the project, Ukrainian students displaced by the war will be able to pursue their studies and receive free Mandarin-language courses to better adapt to life in Taiwan beginning in the fall semester this year, Wei said.
Aside from tuition, the program will also cover students’ transportation expenses to Taiwan, accommodation and living expenses, as well as other miscellaneous expenses students may encounter during their studies, he said.
A total of 53 students have already applied for the program, with 11 of them qualifying, according to Wei, who said the school is also planning to offer studies starting in the spring semester to give students who want to come to Taiwan flexibility.
“The situations faced by the displaced students are far more complicated than we thought, and we have encountered many challenges, such as trying to reach them or get a full review of their student status,” Wei said.
Wei said the project is an opportunity for Taiwan as well as NYCU to play a positive role in the international community by delivering humanitarian aid and for the university to fulfill its educational responsibilities at the international level.
Other Taiwanese universities, including Tzu Chi University and Tunghai University, are also carrying out similar programs for Ukrainian students.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel