Students, faculty, staff and administrators of La Consolacion College Bacolod were introduced to Taiwan-based study, scholarship, internship and employment opportunities during a presentation by Ms. Krystl Lim of INTACT Base Taiwan-Philippines on Aug. 14 at the college’s Audio-Visual Center.
Lim, deputy CEO of the INTACT Base Taiwan-Philippines Iloilo Office, presented the International Industrial Talents Education Special Program, or INTENSE Program, following the memorandum of understanding signing between LCC Bacolod and INTACT Base Taiwan-Philippines.
The INTENSE Program is a study-to-work pathway that links Taiwan universities, the Ministry of Education and industry partners to prepare international students for academic training, internship and employment in Taiwan.
Lim said the program offers customized courses based on the needs of partner industries, with priority areas in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, semiconductors and finance. She said the program is intended to help international students gain both academic preparation and workplace exposure in fields needed by Taiwan’s industries.
She discussed program options available to Filipino applicants, including two-year bachelor’s programs, post-baccalaureate programs and master’s degrees. Many of the programs are taught in English to accommodate international students, although Lim encouraged students to begin learning Mandarin as early as possible.
Lim said Mandarin readiness is important not only for academic adjustment but also for daily life, internship participation and future employment in Taiwan. She encouraged interested applicants to take advantage of online Mandarin classes and to prepare for the required Mandarin proficiency level during the course of the program.
She also presented the scholarship package available under the program, which may include support for administrative expenses, one-way airfare, tuition and miscellaneous fees, and a monthly living allowance. The support comes from the Taiwan government, partner companies and participating universities.
Lim also explained the application requirements for interested students and graduates. These include a valid passport, English proficiency certificate, highest educational diploma, official transcript of records, study plan, curriculum vitae and recommendation letter.
For English-taught programs, applicants are required to present proof of English proficiency equivalent to CEFR B1. Lim said accepted certificates may include TOEIC, TOEFL or IELTS.
The presentation also covered the employment obligation under the program. Students who receive support are expected to work in Taiwan after graduation, with the duration of employment corresponding to the period of support received.
During the open forum, participants asked about opportunities for teacher education, psychology, hospitality and tourism, faculty exchange and other programs not directly covered by the INTENSE Program. Lim said that while INTENSE is mainly focused on STEM, semiconductor and finance-related fields, LCC Bacolod and INTACT Base may also explore other Taiwan education opportunities outside the INTENSE framework.
Lim said INTACT Base can assist the college by providing information, connecting interested applicants to relevant programs and supporting Mandarin language preparation.
The session formed part of LCC Bacolod’s efforts to strengthen internationalization, expand academic linkages and open more concrete global pathways for students, alumni, faculty and staff.
Through the partnership with INTACT Base Taiwan-Philippines, the college aims to help LCCians prepare for scholarship-supported study, industry-linked training and career opportunities in Taiwan.