On June 2, seven Tufts students arrived at Tainan High-Speed Rail Station, accompanied personally by Prof. Chung-Hua Chang.

National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) launched its first bilateral summer research program with Tufts University in the United States. The initiative was founded in September 2024 through the efforts of Professor Chung-Hua Chang from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Tufts University, a 1977 graduate of NCKU’s Department of Engineering Science and a current board member of the National Cheng Kung University North American Alumni Foundation, Inc. (NCKUNAAFI). The program was established with the great support of the NCKUNAAFI .
The program brings together over 40 faculty members from Tufts’ School of Engineering, Department of Chemistry, and Department of Mathematics, as well as from NCKU’s College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering, College of Science, and College of Bioscience and Biotechnology. These professors serve as principal investigators and host sophomore and junior students from both institutions. During the summer exchange, students engage in collaborative research projects while experiencing life in the host country. 
On June 2, seven Tufts students arrived in Tainan. They were welcomed by NCKU’s Office of International Affairs and were assisted with accommodation arrangements and introduced to the NCKU campus. The students soon experienced the warmth of southern Taiwan—both in hospitality and in climate.
 
A joint luncheon was held at NCKU on June 19, allowing students from both universities to connect, share their campus experiences, and exchange recommendations for local food and places to visit. The event fostered friendships and set the stage for future reunions, with students agreeing to meet again in Boston when the Tufts participants return home in mid-August. 

NCKU and Tufts students gathered for a group photo following a joyful luncheon. 

Professor Chung-Hua Chang welcomed six NCKU students at the airport and gave them a tour of Boston.

On June 22, six NCKU students departed for Boston, where they were personally greeted by Professor Chang upon arrival and successfully reported to Tufts University. This program, made possible through the joint efforts of both universities, offers a unique opportunity to enhance academic expertise while fostering cross-cultural exchange. It is hoped that all participating students will gain valuable experiences and enjoy a meaningful and fulfilling summer.