BCIT welcomed 82 post-secondary students from Taiwan for its largest-ever summer training program. The customized, four-week training gave youth from diverse fields of study the opportunity to experience BCIT's applied learning approach, while gaining cross-cultural perspectives that help them prepare for an increasingly global workforce. The program was funded by the Taiwan Ministry of Education through its 2026 Global Pathfinders Initiative.
Five specialized training areas were jointly designed and delivered through a collaborative effort between BCIT Global Partnerships, School of Computing and Academic Studies, School of Construction and the Environment, School of Energy, School of Transportation, and the Technology Training Associates (TTA).
The specialized options included:
- Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action
Students selected training areas that aligned with their fields of study in Taiwan. Upon completing the program, each participant received a Statement of Completion that recognized their participation.
A longstanding educational partnership with Taiwan
The 2026 Global Pathfinder Initiative builds on BCIT's longstanding educational connections with Taiwan. BCIT has hosted international summer groups from National Formosa University for more than 15 years, establishing a strong history of collaboration with Taiwanese partners. This year's Global Pathfinder Initiative expanded that connection by welcoming participants from multiple Taiwanese institutions across several academic disciplines.
Sean Liao (Shang-En Liao), who completed the Automotive and Electric Vehicle Technician option, said the experience gave him an opportunity to explore new possibilities.
"I really love this kind of class because we can let our imagination fly and create something helpful for people. I am very excited for the presentation day and to see what my team creates. Thank you for welcoming us to BCIT!"
Building global connections through applied learning
The School of Transportation saw the experience as an opportunity to connect technical learning with personal growth. Naveen Jit, Associate Dean, Automotive and Trades Access, reflected on the impact of bringing students and faculty together.
"When the students are finally in class, sharing the varied stories that brought them here and their desire to learn automotive technologies in an applied manner, it makes all the hard work that countless individuals contributed worthwhile," said Naveen. "The personal growth of everyone involved in bringing BCIT's brand of teaching to the world, while enriching our partner and industry experiences, reflects the value of these collaborative efforts and highlights why we must continue investing in our international partnerships."
That same spirit of hands-on learning and cultural exchange extended into the School of Energy, where students experienced BCIT's applied education approach in its labs and facilities.
Marko Vicic, School Development Manager, said, "Hosting the Taiwan Summer Groups has been a rewarding experience for the School of Energy. These programs create a dynamic, cross-cultural learning environment where students gain new perspectives, enrich their academic experience, and take part in hands-on learning in our labs and facilities. It's exciting to see how these exchanges build meaningful global connections and bring fresh energy to the BCIT community."
For the School of Construction and the Environment, the initiative highlights the value of sharing expertise to build a more sustainable future.
"Working with the Taiwan Summer Groups has been an incredible and meaningful opportunity for BCIT School of Construction and the Environment to share expertise while learning from one another's perspectives and experiences," said Marita Luk, Business Development Manager. "Together, we're advancing environmental sustainability through applied learning, knowledge exchange, and cross-cultural collaboration. We sincerely thank our partners and organizers in Taiwan, along with our faculty and staff, for making this rewarding initiative a success."
The School of Computing and Academic Studies also saw the value of bringing together technical expertise and different perspectives.
Jennifer Talman, Associate Dean, Sciences, said, "The forensics department has been delighted to host digital forensic and cybersecurity workshops for this group from Taiwan. The students arrived with a strong technical background and an eagerness to learn, and our faculty have enjoyed providing advanced hands-on labs with activities ranging from digital forensic searches of workstations to use of cybersecurity tools in a virtual lab environment. It has been exciting to hear about how this experience is helping both the visiting students and the BCIT faculty gain new perspectives. I look forward to continuing this international partnership!"
Partner with BCIT to create customized global learning experiences
Programs like the Global Pathfinders Initiative reflect BCIT's commitment to creating meaningful international opportunities for BCIT students, faculty, and partners around the world. By developing customized programs that combine applied education with cultural exchange, BCIT helps students broaden their perspectives, build global connections, and develop the skills needed to succeed in an interconnected world.
For more information
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