The first ever Russian Students’ Feedback on Studying and Living in Taiwan evening was held at the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University on November 29, 2019. The event was organized with the help of the Education Division of the Taipei–Moscow Economic and Cultural Coordination Commission (TMECCC) and an estimated 120 people attended. They included Russian students from key key universities—Moscow State University, Moscow City University, Moscow State Pedagogical University, and Moscow State Linguistic University—and other local universities, thirty students from Taiwan, and ten Russian and Taiwanese Mandarin Chinese teachers.

William Lu, Secretary of the Education Division of TMECCC, made the opening marks and highlighted the significance of this occasion. It gave students from Taiwan studying Russian in Moscow and Russian scholars and students who’ve studied Mandarin Chinese or who’ve done research in Taiwan an opportunity to exchange opinions, and enhance mutual understanding and friendship.

The main part of the program was dedicated to presentations by students who’d studied Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan after receiving a Huayu Enrichment Scholarship and scholars who’d done research in Taiwan. They shared details of their experiences studying and living there, as well as photos of Taiwan’s beautiful scenery. The twenty people all spoke highly of Taiwan, mentioning such aspects as Taiwan’s liberal atmosphere, sound social order, friendly people, wonderful scenery, diverse history and culture, and delicious cuisine.

William Lu then gave a presentation outlining ongoing projects and scholarships, internships and grant programs offered by Taiwan’s government and/or universities in Taiwan that eligible Russian students and researchers can apply for. These include Taiwan Scholarships, Huayu Enrichment Scholarships, ICDF Scholarships, Short Term Research Awards, Taiwan Fellowships, MOE APEC Scholarships, and the Taiwan Experience Education Programs (TEEP). It drew an enthusiastic response and many questions.

The evening was both interesting and very informative, and the TMECCC Education Division plans to continue this initiative.