The 2025 Overseas Youth Taiwan Study Tour successfully concluded after completing the fifth session (Southern Hemisphere and Asia region) by the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC). A total of 123 overseas youth from 11 countries—Mauritius, Australia, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Argentina, Brunei, Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa, and New Zealand—gathered in Taiwan for a 14-day in-depth observation and cultural exchange program. Through site visits and diverse interactions, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of Taiwan's society, culture, and industrial development.
The itinerary spanned northern, central, and southern Taiwan, covering topics such as urban development, technology industries, history, ecology, and local cultural experiences. Participants visited landmarks including Taipei 101, New Taipei Christmasland, the Hakka Cultural Park, and Sanxia Old Street to learn about Taiwan’s urban governance and multicultural heritage. They also toured the Central Taiwan Science Park, the Ita Thao Indigenous Commercial District at Sun Moon Lake, and Zhuci Riverside Park, experiencing the integration of technological advancement with natural and cultural resources. In southern Taiwan, the group visited the Tainan Art Museum, Anping Fort, and Blueprints creative districts, gaining deeper insight into Taiwan’s historical legacy and cultural innovation. Additionally, they visited China University of Technology, Kun Shan University, and Providence University, engaging in exchanges with local students.
Participant Zhuang Lianguang from Argentina noted that the well-structured and intensive itinerary enabled overseas youth to gain a comprehensive understanding of Taiwan within a limited time. He highlighted that visits to universities and interactions with local students allowed him to experience Taiwan’s friendly and internationalized campus environment, further strengthening his interest in pursuing future studies or exchanges in Taiwan.
Tour leader Wang Sujiao from Mauritius remarked that the overall program successfully balanced academic depth with cultural exploration while accommodating the diverse backgrounds and needs of participants. She emphasized that visits to cities, campuses, and local communities left participants deeply impressed by Taiwan’s development model that values both technology and humanity, helping overseas youth gain an authentic understanding of Taiwan and inspiring them to serve as future ambassadors promoting Taiwan abroad.
The itinerary included visits to three universities, offering participants valuable opportunities to learn about Taiwan’s higher education system. Faculty members from the host institutions noted that the OCAC Overseas Youth Taiwan Study Tour was thoughtfully designed, effectively combining academic introductions with cultural exchange. They expressed hope that continued collaboration would attract more outstanding overseas students to pursue studies in Taiwan and further strengthen international academic connections.
The program concluded successfully in a warm and vibrant atmosphere of exchange, deepening overseas youth’s understanding of Taiwan while laying a solid foundation for future talent exchange and international cooperation.
The OCAC have already planned seven sessions for the 2026 camp, with related information available on the official website (URL: https://www.ocac.gov.tw/OCAC/Pages/VDetail.aspx?nodeid=1379&pid=80335263). Welcome overseas youth aged 16 to under 25 to participate enthusiastically.
