After an European trip with President Gou Yih-shun (q) in February, Office of International Affairs (OIA) Dean Chuang Kun-liang ([}) was inspired with a fresh idea to cultivate more qualified National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) graduates and make them globally competitive.? He shared his views with campus reporter (CR) Sabrina Lin (Lh) during an interview in early March.
CR: What impressed you the most during your visit to the Europe?
Chuang: In addition to English and Mandarin, I strongly feel that our students need to learn a second foreign language.
English comprehensive abilities would be the bottom line for you when you go abroad but it is definitely not good enough.? The more languages you can speak, the more job opportunities you will be given.
Professional knowledge and independent characteristic are also important.
CR: To achieve those, what would you recommend students to do?
Chuang: A student shall be professionally trained and educated because he will definitely gain his professional knowledge from his major.
For developing independent characteristic, I would suggest students to take part in as many extra-curriculum activities as possible because these activities will help develop abilities of management and social manners.? Also, I would encourage students to join or dedicate to more international organizations, such as the Red Cross Society, for volunteer work or so.
There is a big problem for NTNU students V not aggressive enough and too shy.
CR: Why do you believe that NTNU students are not aggressive enough?
Chuang: I have been keeping an eye on OIAs website so I would know how many out there would actually care about international affairs.? Also, from the cold attitude from NTNU students toward OIA related activities made me believe that they would not be aggressive to approach potential opportunities.
Vietnam, for instance, during my visiting, I was so shocked by Vietnamese students efforts to learn a foreign language.? I think there is still room for NTNU students to improve on this.
CR: What are you planning to make those changes happen at NTNU?
Chuang: As far as I am concerned, the president is planning to establish a French program for all NTNU students, as a second foreign language, in addition to English.
In the meantime, OIA will continue its efforts of increasing communications and interaction between Taiwanese and international students.
Email: oia@deps.ntnu.edu.tw