Outbound FAQ
Study Abroad FAQ
Q1: What are the Ministry of Education "Xue Hai" programs?
The Ministry of Education (MOE) offers four types of "Xue Hai" (Study Abroad) grants, which are the primary funding sources for AU students:
- Xue Hai Fei Yang (Study Abroad Exchange): Encourages outstanding students to study at overseas partner universities for at least one semester (max one academic year).
- Xue Hai Xi Zhu (Hardship Grant): Designed specifically for students from low-income or lower-middle-income households. It provides substantial funding (covering tuition, living expenses, and airfare).
- Xue Hai Zhu Meng (Overseas Internship): Supports students undertaking short-term professional internships at overseas companies or institutions (excluding Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau).
- New Southbound Xue Hai Zhu Meng: A specific internship program for countries under the "New Southbound Policy" (e.g., Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand).
Q2: Does the university provide financial aid?
Yes, Asia University actively cooperates with the MOE to provide funding for students:
- Xue Hai Fei Yang: The subsidy amount varies by region and duration, but typically covers at least one round-trip economy class airfare.
- Xue Hai Xi Zhu: Offers the highest level of funding, determined by the MOE, aimed at covering most expenses during the stay.
- Xue Hai Zhu Meng / New Southbound: Includes a round-trip economy airfare and a partial living allowance. The specific amount is allocated by the university based on the approved project budget.
- Note: Students receiving these grants cannot simultaneously receive other overseas study subsidies from the ROC government.
Q3: What are the qualifications for application?
Basic eligibility requirements are as follows (please refer to the latest brochure for each semester):
- Applicants must hold ROC citizenship and household registration in Taiwan.
- Must be a currently enrolled student at Asia University (usually must have completed at least one semester).
- Academic Performance: For example, "Xue Hai Fei Yang" usually requires a class ranking within the top 20%, or a special recommendation from the department.
- Language Proficiency: Valid foreign language test scores are required (e.g., TOEIC 550+ for English, or other standards set by the partner university/internship institution).
Q4: When can I apply?
The Office of International Affairs (OIA) usually holds "Study Abroad Information Sessions" at the beginning of each semester. Please keep an eye on the OIA website announcements.
General Application Timeline:
- First Half (approx. Feb - Mar): For programs starting in the Summer or Fall semester of the same year.
- Second Half (approx. Aug - Sep): For programs starting in the following year.
Q5: Are there special regulations for overseas internships?
Students participating in "Xue Hai Zhu Meng" (Internship) programs must note the following:
- Duration: The internship must be at least 30 continuous days (at least 25 days for Indonesia), excluding travel time.
- Reporting Obligations: Upon return, students must upload a final report (in Chinese and English), photos, and a 3-minute video to the MOE platform within two weeks to complete the project.
- Changes: Changes to the internship institution require prior approval from the OIA (limited to one time). Unauthorized changes will result in disqualification and the return of funds.
Q6: Are there other channels besides "Xue Hai"?
Yes! AU promotes internationalization through various diverse channels:
- Spotlight Program: Selects outstanding students for summer study at top partner universities (e.g., Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, San Francisco State University in the USA). Please check the "Spotlight Program" section for details.
- Short-term Programs: Various language or professional courses offered by partner universities during winter/summer breaks.
- Dual Degree Program: A program to obtain degrees from both AU and a foreign university. Please contact your department or the Center for International Academic Exchange.