On July 17th, the Division of Study Abroad held an online pre-departure briefing session for 2024 fall outgoing exchange students. The online session was presented by Mr. Tim Yang, the Manager of the Division of Study Abroad, and Mr. Yi-Jie Hung, the Executive Manager of the Division of Study Abroad. The session also invited Ms. Kai-Ling Su, who had completed 2024 spring exchange program at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), to share her experience, especially on how to deal with scams and fraud.

 
Online Pre-departure briefing Session for 2024 Fall semester outgoing exchange program

  At the event, Mr. Tim Yang shared with the exchange students to-be what they should prepare for before going abroad, and the admission process after arriving at partner institutions. For example, acceptance letter, passport, student insurance, etc. In addition, he recommended students download the MOFA's “Travel Safety Guidance” APP to keep track of the safety situation abroad and emergency contact information. He also suggested students understand the laws of the host country as well as the cultural differences, to avoid any unnecessary troubles caused by cultural conflicts or unfamiliarity with the local laws. Following this, Mr. Yi-Jie Hung reminded scholarship recipients of the MOE's Outgoing Exchange Student Financial Assistance Grant of their rights and obligations. 

 
Staff of the Division of Study Abroad meeting with 2024 Fall outgoing exchange students

  In the final session, Ms. Kai-Ling Su shared her experience of being targeted by fraudsters in Singapore. She mentioned that the fraudsters harassed her with phone calls, WhatsApp, and then threatened her with photos and personal documents. Fortunately, she was able to escape with the help of her friends and the international office of SUTD. She advised students to be vigilant and remain calm when receiving suspicious calls, not to provide personal information immediately, and to keep in touch with friends, the International Office, local police, and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Taipei Representative Office, or Taipei Mission, etc.

 
Ms. Kai-Ling Su shared her experience at SUTD in Singapore

  The Division of Study Abroad hopes that this event will assist students in better preparing for the 2024 Fall Exchange Program and wishes them a safe and smooth journey.

 
2024 Fall outgoing exchange students' group photo