Taipei’s disadvantaged student exchange quota changed from “at least three” to “up to three” under Chiang Wan-an

Taipei’s international exchange program for economically disadvantaged students has changed from guaranteeing at least three places to offering up to three, prompting lawyer Lin Chih-chun to question the policy under Mayor Chiang Wan-an.

Lin said the program previously reserved at least three places for economically disadvantaged students, including at least one for Canada and two for the United States. By 2026, the wording had changed to “up to three” places, with unused spots assigned to general students. He also questioned why students with U.S. citizenship could receive places intended for economically disadvantaged applicants.

For families with limited means, Lin argued, the city government’s NT$700,000 subsidy may be the only opportunity to study abroad. Students with U.S. citizenship, he said, would have more chances to study overseas in the future and should not receive places intended for disadvantaged students.

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Why, after Mayor Wan-an took office, did the city change the quota for economically disadvantaged students to ‘up to three,’ with places going to general students if three could not be filled, even students with U.S. citizenship?

Lin also challenged the city’s explanation that few disadvantaged students had applied. If families did not know about the program or did not understand how to apply, he said, the government should promote it in schools rather than reduce the quota. He described the information as a privilege when officials do not publicize it.

He referred to the city government’s statement that only 45 people had applied, asking whether the lack of applicants reflected inadequate outreach instead of a lack of demand. He also questioned whether the city was concerned about the cost of the subsidy, contrasting it with the NT$7.44 million spent on a sunshade.

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Information is also a kind of privilege.