 The International Participation and Status of Taiwanese Youth
With the arrival of globalization – no matter if it’s in politics, economics, culture, the environment or other fields – they have all lost the ‘nation' as their point of reference. Many important issues must be mutually faced and shouldered between nations, such as financial and ecological issues or issues related to arms trading, energy or terrorism.
The ways and means for international youth to participate are becoming more diverse. No matter whether it is casual work, internships, or other international work experience, internships or other forms of participation with international organizations, participation in international NGOs or voluntary activities, and so on, they all help young people understand society on an international level. The special significance of the international participation of Taiwanese youth is: it has faced long-term restriction from China. Taiwan cannot even guarantee its basic health rights by entering the WHO. In terms of entering other international organizations, we also meet numerous restrictions. Therefore, the international engagement of Taiwanese youth can help Taiwan develop an international space and fight for international recognition for Taiwan . Recently in Taiwan , apart from numerous NGOs working with international youth exchange, the government has also moved into the service areas of overseas aid agencies, diplomatic alternative military service, international youth volunteer exchange, and other programs, to actively promote the international participation of young people.
The Current Status and Future Trends of International Participation of Taiwanese Youth
- High cost of overseas tuition, reduction in scholarships, military service and other factors has caused a decrease in the number of students studying abroad.
Since 1988, the number of Taiwanese students studying abroad had been rose every year until recently, when the trend turned downward. In 1993 and 2001 there were unusual decreases, but the numbers recovered in the years following. However, since 2003, the number of Taiwanese students studying overseas has fallen by 23.4%. Initial assessment indicates that factors related to the decrease include the high tuition fees of foreign universities, decreased scholarship awards, and military service.
- Taiwanese participation in international organizations is still limited, the number of international organizations with secretariats or branch offices in Taiwan has not noticeably increased
According to MOFA 2002 statistics, the Taiwan participates in 18 international governmental conferences, and has observer status in 10, which is very limited. In terms of Taiwanese citizens taking part in events for non-governmental international organizations, in recent years government support has produced some progress. Since 2002, there have been a total of 1,071 cases. But compared to the 20,000 INGO activities listed in the Union of Association annual report of 2001-2002, there is still room for more participation of Taiwanese citizens in INGOs.
- In recent years the number of international students coming to Taiwan has increased, but rapid growth has not yet happened
In recent years the number of international students coming to Taiwan has fluctuated,
Updated Date 12-02-29 |
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