Taiwan and France signaled closer academic engagement as education collaboration ties advanced during a high-level visit. The visit highlighted growing interest in Taiwan studies and language exchange. Officials described the meetings as a step toward deeper institutional cooperation.
Jean-Francois Huchet, president of France’s National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilizations, arrived in Taiwan last Sunday. During the visit, he met education leaders and researchers. Moreover, he explored opportunities to expand bilateral academic programs.
INALCO specializes in non-Western languages, cultures, and histories. The institute enrolls about 8,000 students. Additionally, roughly 2,000 international students study there, representing 120 countries. These figures underscore its global academic reach.
While in Taiwan, Huchet toured major universities. He visited National Taiwan University and National Taiwan Normal University. He also held discussions with faculty members and administrators. These meetings focused on research exchange and language education.
Furthermore, Huchet visited the French Office in Taipei. He also traveled to Academia Sinica for academic dialogue. These discussions addressed Taiwan-France cooperation frameworks. As a result, both sides identified new areas for collaboration.
Previously, INALCO signed a memorandum with Taiwan’s representative office in France. The agreement created a Taiwan Studies chair. This initiative forms part of a five-year cooperation plan. It aims to promote Taiwan through language, culture, and academic research.
Last Thursday, Deputy Education Minister Liu Kuo-wei met Huchet in Taipei. Liu reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between Taiwan and France. He thanked Huchet for attending the Taiwan-France Higher Education Forum last year. He also praised his continued advocacy for exchanges.
Liu emphasized the importance of student mobility. Therefore, the Education Ministry encourages Taiwanese students to study in France. Such experiences can strengthen global perspectives and cultural understanding. Meanwhile, Taiwan also welcomes more French students.
According to ministry officials, exchanges benefit both education systems. Students gain language skills and regional expertise. Universities strengthen international networks. Consequently, these programs support long-term academic competitiveness.
Huchet also serves as vice president of France Universites. This role oversees coordination among French university leaders. Given this position, Liu expressed hope for closer engagement between university presidents. Such dialogue could lead to joint degrees or research centers.
Experts say education collaboration ties carry broader significance. Academic exchanges often reinforce diplomatic and cultural relationships. Moreover, they support innovation through shared research. Education cooperation also builds people-to-people connections.
In recent years, Taiwan expanded international education partnerships. Europe remains a strategic focus region. France, with its strong humanities tradition, plays a key role. Therefore, deeper engagement aligns with Taiwan’s global education strategy.
Looking ahead, officials plan additional forums and exchange programs. Universities may sign new agreements in coming years. Joint research funding discussions could follow. These steps would institutionalize cooperation further.
Ultimately, education collaboration ties reflect shared academic values. Both sides view education as a bridge between societies. The visit marked progress toward a more connected academic future.
