For international students, faculty, and researchers who travel to Taiwan to study or work, a fulfilling experience abroad extends beyond classes, research, and professional responsibilities. It also involves discovering local culture, building interpersonal connections, and gradually developing a sense of belonging in a new environment. The Office of International Affairs at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (YunTech) has long been committed to supporting the academic and daily-life needs of its international community. In addition to providing administrative and practical assistance, the Office encourages international faculty and students to participate in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities, enriching their experience of living in Taiwan.
On September 13, Director of International Affairs Yeh Hui-Ching and Section Chief Chen Cheng-Jui accompanied international students, international faculty, and colleagues from the Office of International Affairs to the Yunlin Performing Arts Center to attend the “2026 Prince Mylan Sparks International Jazz Debut Concert.” On a Sunday afternoon, faculty members and students from 10 countries stepped beyond the campus to enjoy an engaging cultural experience through music and the performing arts.
As the event organizer had made a limited number of promotional tickets available to the public, the Office of International Affairs encouraged international faculty and students to participate. The opportunity allowed members of the YunTech international community from diverse cultural backgrounds to visit a local arts venue, experience different forms of performing arts, and gain a deeper understanding of Yunlin’s local cultural and artistic environment.
The concert featured international jazz vocalist Prince Mylan Sparks performing alongside pianist Huang Yu-Chieh. The program included a diverse range of musical styles, including classic jazz, bossa nova, soul, and popular music. The interplay between vocals and piano, together with different forms of stage performance, created a rich and varied musical experience.
Although the participating faculty and students came from different countries and spoke different languages, music provided a shared medium that transcended linguistic and cultural boundaries, allowing everyone to experience the connection and resonance created by the performing arts.
For the Office of International Affairs, welcoming international faculty and students to Taiwan is about more than supporting them through their studies, teaching, or research. Leaving behind a familiar country and way of life and adapting to a new language, culture, and society requires time to establish new routines and social connections.
For this reason, in addition to continuing to provide support for academic matters, daily-life adaptation, and related services, the Office of International Affairs also seeks to create more opportunities for international faculty and students to learn about Taiwan, experience local culture, and connect with one another through cultural exchange, participation in the arts, and activities both on and off campus.
The participation of the Director, Section Chief, and colleagues from the Office in accompanying international faculty and students to the concert represents an extension of support services into cultural and everyday-life experiences. International faculty and students who normally study, teach, and work across different departments had an opportunity to connect with one another through a shared cultural activity beyond the campus, creating new opportunities for interaction and shared memories of their time in Taiwan.
Director Yeh Hui-Ching of the Office of International Affairs said that university internationalization is not only about facilitating exchanges among international students and scholars. Equally important is helping international members of the YunTech community become part of campus and local life. The Office of International Affairs will continue to provide support in areas including daily-life adaptation, cultural exchange, and diverse participation, encouraging international faculty and students to explore Taiwanese society and culture alongside their academic and professional pursuits and to build a richer experience of living in Taiwan.
Looking ahead, YunTech’s Office of International Affairs will continue to connect with appropriate resources both within and beyond the university to provide information about and opportunities for cultural, artistic, and exchange activities. By expanding opportunities for international faculty and students to participate in local life, the university hopes that everyone who travels to Taiwan to join the YunTech community will not only gain professional knowledge and academic growth, but also have opportunities to engage with local communities and discover Taiwan.
Through meaningful participation and genuine cultural exchange, YunTech hopes that international faculty and students will build rich and memorable experiences during their time in Taiwan.
International faculty and students from diverse countries gather at the Yunlin Performing Arts Center to experience the magic of jazz music together.
Director Yeh Hui-Chin, Section Chief Brad C. J. Chen, staff members from the Office of International Affairs, and international faculty pose for a group photo before the concert.
International jazz vocalist Prince Mylan Sparks and pianist Huang Yu-Chieh perform together, showcasing the spontaneity and freedom of jazz improvisation.
The audience immerses themselves in the energy of live jazz, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the concert.
Prince Mylan Sparks joins the performers and guests on stage, creating a lively and memorable moment at the concert.
Organizing Unit: Office of International Affairs
Director: Yeh Hui-Chin
Contact Person: CHANG, MING-CHUN
Tel: +886-5-534-2601 ext. 2393
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