By: Anneleise Azua (2013 USC Global Fellow at National Taiwan University)

TAIPEI, Taiwan – Tuesday, May 28th marks a new era of collaboration between National Taiwan University and Indiana University. The two universities announced and formalized a host of higher education and study abroad joint ventures during Indiana University’s visit to Taiwan.

At a collaborative meeting on the National Taiwan University campus on Tuesday, university officials gathered to sign a university-wide partnership agreement that will begin with collaboration between Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law and NTU’s College of Law. The agreement aims to formalize the relationship between the two institutions and to promote and expand other collaborative academic programs in future years.

IU President Michael McRobbie was accompanied by Vice President for International Affairs David Zaret, IU first lady Laurie Burns McRobbie, Associate Vice President for International Partnerships Shawn Reynolds and Director of International Alumni Relations Eric De Haan for the momentous exchange. NTU President Si-Chen Lee hopes this alliance will advance cultural exchange between students and faculty members and those of Indiana University.

Currently, NTU has over 435 partner institutions in 56 countries and boasts 313 student exchange programs, over 3,300 international students, and 996 study abroad students.

Indiana University places a heavy emphasis on study abroad programs as well, and boasts a rigorous East Asian Studies department. IU has a significant amount of Taiwanese students on their campus, with Taiwan being the fifth largest international student population at Indiana University.

IU President McRobbie added, “We live in an increasingly global society, where forces that originate beyond our borders affect virtually all aspects of our lives. If IU is to effectively prepare its students to succeed in such society, we must continue to build bridges around the world.”

NTU concluded the event by looking to the future and proposing immediate cooperation on creating more incentives for joint programs with Indiana University, encouraging faculty contacts and exchanges, promoting two-way summer programs, and exploring joint or dual degree programs.