European Studies Institute, Wenzao Ursuline University 

The Graduate Institute of European Studies (GIES) was established in 2016 as an independent institute located in the College of European and Asian languages of Wenzao Ursuline University, Kaohsiung City. It is the only European Studies Institute in Southern Taiwan.  

The Master´s program of European Studies aims to develop professionals with expertise in various European affairs and focuses on contemporary pan-European and European Union affairs, covering European politics, economics, law, public health, education, and culture. 

In 2019, the European Studies institutes received funding from the EU for a Jean Monnet Module on Environmental Health in Europe.

The institute consists of five core faculty and 9 adjunct faculty, all experts on European affairs or European Union Studies and well-known scholars. Furthermore, guest speakers from all around the world are invited to give speeches and hold seminars for students to expand their international perspectives and improve their understanding of European issues.

The institute organizes an annual academic Forum to discuss the most recent developments and provide a platform for academic discussion.  

Over the years, the relationship between European countries and Taiwan has grown and exchange has intensified. European countries are not only a strong partner for Taiwan in terms of economy, trade, research, and investment but they also share the same values.  

Exploring the developments in Europe and Taiwan is a key focus of the Master´s program. The European Studies program will continue to strengthen the academic exchange between the two regions and develop talents with solid knowledge and expertise in European-related issues.

Developmental Characteristics 

This institute equally emphasizes academic research, teaching, and professional development. 

Research 

1. GIES continues to deepen its research capabilities on Europe and the European Union in the fields of contemporary politics, economics, society, cultures, and education. Therefore, the institute seeks to establish links to international partners in Europe and also in the region.
2. GIES represents the only European Studies institute in Southern Taiwan, conducting research on European and European Union affairs, and inspiring young talents to enter the field of European studies.
3. GIES provides an excellent and resource-rich academic environment.
    

Teaching

1. The provided courses are designed to deepen the knowledge on political, economic, social, and cultural topics in European countries and focus on establishing linkages between Europe, Taiwan, and the region. 
2. Our institute emphasizes individual counseling for our Master´s students based on a mentorship program.
3. The courses at GIES emphasize the importance of integrating theoretical and practical approaches. To expand the scope of the program, we invite guest speakers to deliver speeches on various issues.
4. Every year, GIES organizes an academic forum to provide a space for local and international speakers to discuss the most important developments in Europe. 
    

Objectives

1. To deepen students´ expertise on European and European Union affairs
2. To train research skills and apply them in the field of European Studies
3. To train problem-solving skills as well as promote critical thinking
4. To strengthen European language-speaking and cross-cultural communication skills
5. To promote international mobility for (incoming and outgoing) students
    

Skills

1. Professional expertise on EU and pan-European political, economic, legal, societal affairs
2. Academic research skills
3. Critical thinking skills
4. Evaluating and analyzing skills
5. Cultural communication skills
6. Innovative thinking and creative thinking  
7. Problem-solving skills
    

Career prospects

1. To continue studies for a doctoral degree in Europe or Taiwan
2. In government offices (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Overseas Community Affairs Council, Tourism Bureau, etc.)
3. In foreign representative offices of European countries in Taiwan
4. In Taiwan´s representative offices in European countries
5. In local/international NGOs, social enterprises, educational foundations, social organizations
6. In local/international think-tanks
7. In the private sector (local tech companies, trading companies, multinational companies)