Yuan Ze University Joined Hands with the Marshall Islands to Expand International Education Through the “Global Cultural Initiative” USR Project

Yuan Ze University’s deep-cultivation USR project, the Global Cultural Initiative, continued to expand its international cooperation network and added another key partner on December 18. Vice Ambassador Cassailis Jaron of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands in Taiwan and Project Director Professor Yu-Lan Huang officially signed a memorandum of understanding on behalf of both sides.

The collaboration aimed to jointly promote international education and cultural exchange, with both parties committed to supporting multicultural education in local elementary and junior high schools. Through public diplomacy, the partnership sought to deepen international connections and inject new momentum into bilingual education and global perspectives in Taoyuan City.

Professor Yu-Lan Huang, project director of the Global Cultural Initiative, stated that since its launch in 2018, the initiative had long integrated university expertise with the educational needs of the local community, dedicating itself to cultivating students’ international literacy and bilingual abilities—achievements that had been widely recognized. The collaboration with the Marshall Islands not only extended the project’s scope into a representative Austronesian culture but also infused curriculum and practical activities with a maritime cultural perspective. This allowed local education to connect with the wider Pacific region and foster a broader sense of international cultural literacy.

Vice Ambassador Cassailis Jaron shared his vision for the collaboration from the standpoint of cultural exchange and youth development. He expressed that cross-national educational cooperation served as an important pathway to promoting mutual understanding and friendship, and that entering schools to interact directly with students could transform multicultural learning from textbook knowledge into authentic experiential engagement. He stated his hope that this partnership would allow the cultural narratives of the Marshall Islands to be seen and appreciated by more Taiwanese students, while deepening long-term collaboration in the areas of humanities, education, and social engagement between both parties.

Professor Yu-Lan Huang also mentioned that during the recent International Student Festival held at the Taoyuan City Government, students from the Marshall Islands showcased exquisite bamboo-weaving craftsmanship. Their works, including handcrafted baskets and decorative hangings, amazed the audience and fully demonstrated the resilience and beauty embedded in island culture. Mayor Cheng-Tsan Chang attended the event in person and expressed high praise. As the collaboration continued to deepen, more Taiwanese teachers and students would have opportunities—through courses and exchange activities—to learn about the lifestyle wisdom and marine artistry of the Marshall Islands, ultimately cultivating respect for cultural diversity and strengthening global connectedness.