Abstract
In Taiwan, the need to recruit for study abroad or foreign students is actually not by choice but is of a necessity. Low numbers of birth-rate for the past two decades has led to a huge drop of around 30,000 university enrollees for the school year 2016/17 alone. Hence, to position Taiwan as an international education provider, focus on the quality of the academic and social aspects of study abroad program are seen as crucial. In light of these issues, the current study shall utilize a quasi-ethnographic design in order to better understand how students adapt or adjust to an unfamiliar culture and at the same time understand the students’ study processes. A total of 5 student participants underwent a one-year study together with periodic interviews. Results are then separated into five sections, namely: Scholarship and study abroad, value for money, first contact, occasions and holidays, and academic studies.
Academic Profile
Dr. Gregory Ching is an Assistant Professor in the Graduate Institute of Educational Leadership and Development of Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan. His research interest includes, but not limited to internationalization and globalization of higher education, acculturation of international students, technology in education, bibliometrics. He has around 70 publications in the form of academic articles, conference proceedings, and book chapters. He is the co-author of the book & quote; Taiwan education at the crossroad: When globalization meets localization.