INTERNATIONAL INTERNS DIVE INTO EVALUATION SITES - TWAEA FIRST CROSS-BORDER INTERNSHIP EVENT SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDES

2024-01-05

Since 2017, the Taiwan Assessment and Evaluation Association (TWAEA) has collaborated with Japan’s JUAA (Japan University Accreditation Association) and Thailand’s ONESQA (Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment) in hosting staff exchange activities among the three agencies. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, continuous interaction has been maintained through video conferencing, fostering a strong connection between TWAEA and its significant international partners. In 2023, recognizing the critical role of hands-on evaluation experience, the three agencies launched the “International Internship Program.” As the inaugural host, TWAEA organized a week-long visit for international interns from Japan and Thailand to Taiwan, allowing them to directly engage with the evaluation processes of Taiwan’s technical universities. This immersive experience included on-site visits and observational learning, culminating in a meaningful and formal closing ceremony for the internship. This event not only marked a successful return to in-person exchanges but also served to deepen the professional dialogue and collaboration among international partners.

On December 18, 2023, the international interns embarked on their journey to Taiwan. The inaugural day was dedicated to an orientation session led by the host agency, meticulously outlining the internship’s agenda and activities for the upcoming five days. The session introduced the interns to the learning objectives and acclimated them to the organizational culture of TWAEA. Additionally, dedicated workspace was provided to ensure that the interns could fully immerse themselves in the experience. Aligned with TWAEA’s ongoing evaluation projects and scheduled site visits, the interns were given the opportunity to witness the evaluation processes at Taiwan’s technical universities firsthand.

This event provided an invaluable opportunity for international interns to gain insight into Taiwan’s higher education landscape, including key policies and funding programs. Through on-site visits, they were able to directly experience the evaluation process, gaining a deeper understanding of its intricacies. Moreover, the event served as a platform for schools to showcase their educational achievements and project outcomes, fostering a collaborative environment for sharing best practices and promoting excellence in teaching quality. The interactive engagement between schools and interns facilitated a mutual pursuit of educational excellence. The interns deeply appreciated the role of TWAEA staff as effective mediators between schools and reviewers during the evaluation process. They recognized and valued the staff’s diligent and meticulous approach in addressing various issues encountered on-site, reflecting their commitment to thoroughness and professionalism.

The physical internship culminated on December 23 with a closing ceremony, signaling the start of a new chapter for the next international internship session. At this event, interns from all three agencies shared their experiences and insights through individual presentations, reflecting on their enriching learning experiences. Engaging in cross-cultural exchanges of views, they leveraged diverse observational perspectives, fostering mutual learning and personal growth. This dialogue encouraged participants to push their boundaries and expand their horizons, further strengthening the framework of international cooperation and enhancing global perspectives among colleagues, thus embodying the principles of evaluation in a tangible and practical manner.