Taiwan Ministry of Education Partners with Businesses to Help Youth Achieve Overseas Dreams

Taiwan's Ministry of Education has launched a significant initiative, the "Youth Billion Overseas Dream Fund Program," aimed at empowering the next generation to engage with the world. The program, announced at a press conference on May 25, represents a substantial investment of NT$10 billion (approximately $300 million USD) to foster international experience and overseas learning opportunities for Taiwanese youth.

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Taiwan has long promoted various international talent cultivation programs, from public scholarships to the Youth Overseas Dream Fund, hoping to give more young people the opportunity to go global.

This ambitious plan is a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Shin Kong Life, and the Taishin Youth Foundation. The goal is to break down resource barriers and broaden the international horizons of young Taiwanese, enabling them to pursue their dreams abroad. Last year, the program supported around 1,500 young people, and this year, the ministry anticipates assisting over 3,000 individuals. A key focus is ensuring accessibility, with at least 10% of participants, exceeding 300 individuals, expected to come from rural areas, indigenous communities, or disadvantaged families.

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For young people in rural areas and disadvantaged backgrounds, the biggest lack is not just opportunity, but also financial and safety support.

Recognizing that financial and safety support are critical for young people, especially those from less privileged backgrounds, the program goes beyond mere funding. Liu Kuo-wei, Deputy Minister of Education, highlighted that the partnership with Shin Kong Life originated from a conversation about enhancing safety measures for students traveling abroad. This led to the development of comprehensive insurance plans, including coverage for overseas medical emergencies and repatriation services, provided by Shin Kong Life. Taishin Youth Foundation Chairman Tsai Ching-hsiang emphasized the alignment of the program with the foundation's mission to support youth volunteerism and international engagement.

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Taiwanese youth are full of passion and dreams. Seeing the stories of young volunteers moved me to tears.

Testimonials from program participants underscore its transformative impact. Chung Yi-yun shared how her overseas experience in European equestrian centers enhanced her professional skills and fostered international connections for Taiwan's equestrian industry. Chung Chih-ting, who works at the Central Weather Administration, described his study of Japanese garden design in Kyoto, which broadened his perspective and inspired further exploration. These experiences illustrate the program's success in not only facilitating overseas learning but also in building confidence and encouraging participants to bring their newfound knowledge and global connections back to Taiwan.

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The government's assistance for Taiwanese youth to realize their overseas dreams aligns with our foundation's mission.