On August 19, 2024, under the guidance of the program director, a student team from Chung Yuan Christian University embarked on their academic journey to the United States as part of the Dual Bachelor’s Degree Program in Electrical and Information Engineering, in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). This journey was not only filled with academic challenges but also provided students with rich cultural experiences. The activities planned during the trip aimed to promote deep exchanges between students and the international campus and industry, further strengthening the partnership between the two universities.
To welcome these new students from Taiwan, UWM organized a grand welcome ceremony. This event showcased UWM’s warm hospitality and symbolized the deepening cooperation between the two universities. During his speech, the Dean of the College of Engineering warmly welcomed the Chung Yuan Christian University students, encouraging them to challenge themselves in their academic and personal lives, actively engage in both academic and practical activities, and fully utilize UWM’s abundant educational resources to enrich themselves.
During the welcome ceremony, the new students introduced themselves one by one, expressing their anticipation and enthusiasm for their future studies and life. For many of these students stepping foot in the United States for the first time, this marked a new beginning. They were eager to immerse themselves in the new academic environment and experience a cultural atmosphere vastly different from Taiwan. After the ceremony, faculty and students engaged in deep conversations in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, further strengthening their connections.
The Dual Bachelor’s Degree Program Director, Professor Lai Yu-Kun, expressed deep gratitude for the comprehensive support provided by UWM for Chung Yuan Christian University students studying in the United States. This support included airport transfers, assistance with opening bank accounts, and campus tours, all of which helped students quickly adapt to their new environment, making them feel warmly welcomed during their first visit to UWM. Experiencing such hospitality and support in a foreign country has given the students greater confidence in their future studies and life, and they eagerly anticipate achieving new growth and breakthroughs during their time here.
A highlight of the trip was the visit by Chung Yuan Christian University and UWM faculty and students to the Foxconn Industrial Internet (FII) headquarters located in Wisconsin, USA. This visit was a continuation of the collaborative topics discussed during the Chung Yuan Christian University College of Electrical and Computer Engineering delegation’s visit to the United States. During the visit, students gained in-depth knowledge about Foxconn’s development history, core technologies, and its significant role in the global technology industry. They also witnessed the headquarters’ production lines firsthand, gaining a more tangible understanding of the practical applications in tech manufacturing. These valuable experiences provided the students with clearer insights into their future career paths.
This visit further strengthened the collaboration between Chung Yuan Christian University, UWM, and Foxconn in areas such as student project research, internships, and employment. All three parties agreed that such collaboration would create more internship and job opportunities for students in the international program, expanding their career development prospects.
UWM expressed interest in expanding its collaboration with Chung Yuan Christian University beyond the long-standing partnership with the College of Electrical and Computer Engineering. They aim to foster broader cooperation, particularly in academic research and student exchange. Both institutions hope to implement more collaborative projects, promoting comprehensive development in various fields and enhancing their influence in international education. This will create more opportunities for students to engage in international exchange and research.
The collaboration trip between Chung Yuan Christian University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee not only provided students with valuable opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the U.S. academic and tech industries but also solidified the partnership between the two universities. As these collaborations continue to unfold, more students will benefit, gradually realizing the vision of internationalized education.
