On September 25, 2024, Steffen Boddeker, Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) at Columbia University, along with Leah Cohen, visited the School of Design at Chung Yuan Christian University once again. They were warmly received by Dean Chao Chia-Lin of the School of Design, along with Professor Chen Yu-Chin, Chair of the Department of Architecture; Professor Chou Jung-Chun, Chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture; Professor Hsieh Chun-Yu, Chair of the Department of Interior Design; Professor Hsieh Tung-Sheng, Director of the Oxford Brookes Program; and Professors Chiang Ya-Chun, Lin Hsiao-Wei, Chen Hsuan-Cheng, Hsu Chang-Chih, and Chiang Tzu-Wei from the Department of Architecture. Through tours and discussions, both parties deepened their cross-national academic and professional dialogue, proposing more concrete plans for future international collaboration between the two institutions.
Columbia University, a global academic powerhouse, ranked 34th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings and achieved 4th place in the U.S. and 16th globally in the Architecture & Built Environment category in 2024. Over the years, many alumni from Chung Yuan’s School of Design have pursued further studies at Columbia. The two associate deans visiting this time felt a particular affinity for the School of Design, as several Chung Yuan faculty members, including Dean Chao Chia-Lin, Department Chair Chen Yu-Chin, and Professor Chiang Tzu-Wei, are distinguished alumni of Columbia. Professor Chiang Ya-Chun also previously served as a visiting scholar there. In early 2023, Dean Chao was invited back to Columbia’s GSAPP as an external guest reviewer, reinforcing the longstanding relationship between the institutions. For two consecutive years, in the fall of 2023 and 2024, Columbia’s associate deans have visited Chung Yuan to hold discussions with School of Design faculty, marking a new chapter in the long-term collaboration between the two universities.
“Face-to-Face with GSAPP” Symposium: Opening Doors to International Learning
The School of Design organized a special symposium titled “Face-to-Face with GSAPP,” inviting students from all departments to participate freely. Associate Dean Steffen Boddeker introduced several master’s programs offered by GSAPP, including the Master of Architecture (M.Arch), Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design (MS.AAD), Historic Preservation, Real Estate Development, Urban Design, and Urban Planning. He emphasized that GSAPP’s educational philosophy encourages students to explore diverse architectural platforms in New York and worldwide, finding paths that suit their personal development while showcasing their growth and insights at different stages of learning. Associate Dean Leah Cohen highlighted Columbia University’s focus on fostering students’ leadership, innovation, and cross-cultural communication skills, encouraging them to challenge themselves and overcome language and cultural barriers.
Nearly 50 students from three departments of the School of Design attended the symposium, demonstrating a strong interest in applying to Columbia’s GSAPP. The students actively asked questions about application details, academic research, and future career paths, impressing both associate deans with their fluent English and determination to pursue studies at Columbia. The deans’ professional insights and experience sharing not only provided students with a deeper understanding of Columbia’s academic resources and educational model but also made this top global institution feel more accessible. This dialogue opened a window for students to explore international learning environments and fostered mutual understanding between both institutions.
Experience Sharing: The Challenges and Rewards of Studying Abroad
During the symposium, faculty members from Chung Yuan who had studied at GSAPP shared their experiences from an insider’s perspective. Dean Chao Chia-Lin emphasized that studying abroad is not only about gaining professional knowledge but also about immersing oneself in diverse cultures and ways of thinking. He encouraged students to embrace the inevitable gap between overseas study experiences and local professional practice, finding ways to contribute to their field upon returning home. Department Chair Chen Yu-Chin spoke about the diverse and experimental nature of GSAPP’s curriculum and resources, highlighting the numerous opportunities to learn from renowned international experts, which makes GSAPP an essential platform for independent learning. Professor Chiang Ya-Chun emphasized GSAPP’s leadership in avant-garde architectural discourse and interdisciplinary collaboration, noting its profound influence on global architectural culture.
Looking Forward: International Academic Exchange and Collaboration
The “Face-to-Face with GSAPP” symposium not only facilitated direct interaction between faculty and students from both institutions but also deepened the potential for future collaborations. Chung Yuan’s School of Design aims to maintain close ties with Columbia’s GSAPP, fostering more international academic and professional exchanges that will provide Chung Yuan students with greater access to top global institutions. This exchange marks the beginning of a new chapter in the partnership between the two schools, opening doors for further international opportunities in design education at Chung Yuan Christian University.
