Organized by the NCCU College of Law, the second Workshop of the Student Exchange Program took place on March 16th. Once being an abroad student pursuing his doctorate at the University of Tokyo, Dr. Shih-Hsuan Huang was invited to moderate the workshop. As a member of the review committee, Dr. Huang provided the guidance for the prospective Program applicants on how to prepare required materials and fulfill the application. International Cooperation Manager Ms. Yvonne Chen then introduced the rules of and the heads-up for the Program. Last but not the least, Hsin-Yun Huang, a senior student from the Law Department, shared her experience of studying in the Osaka University, and interacted with the other students joining this online event.
Dr. Huang stated that he especially valued a student’s scores on the language proficiency test. “An exchange student will live abroad for six months to one year. We would really worry about the student’s daily life and safety if s/he shows little linguistic competence,” he said. Besides, an exchange student is expected to excel in their academic performance, and a lack of comprehensive language skills may seriously undermine one’s learning outcomes. This is not the result Dr. Huang and the review committee would like to see.
In terms of the study proposal, he suggested to the students that they start with the field of law they are particularly interested in, and demonstrate strong ambition to delve as deeply as possible into the Japanese Law. Moreover, an explicit focus shall be presented while one describes his/her inclination of courses-to-take in the study proposal. Dr. Huang also recommended integrating one’s research focus and course plan because it would enhance the meaning and effectiveness of the Exchange Program as the student goes through the process.
“An exchange program in fact has a lot to do with resource allocation and academic diplomacy,”commented by Dr. Huang. He believed that an exchange student was not only participating in the Program as an individual but
Hsin Yun Huang respectively talked about the process of application, preparation before departure, course introduction, lives in Japan and some reflections throughout the student exchange journey. Among all of these mentioned above, she specifically recalled the course named Japanese Law. The course was in the format of a seminar, which required her to preview the literature, contribute to discussion or debates in class, deliver presentations and give or receive feedback. She considered it extremely challenging.
“Whether it’s Japanese or English, your language skill will progress significantly during your period of time as an exchange student. You will also become more adaptive and independent during the Program. It is likely to grant you a steadier and more resilient mind to embrace any big or small problems in the future,” Huang added. Furthermore, she also consulted with the upperclassmen pursing graduate degrees in Japan. Through these conversations she learned more about the pros and cons and their observations of academic life there. The international Student Exchange Program of the NCCU College of Law is not merely a short-term cultural delight. It also empowered Huang to look deeper into all her possible career options and life directions.