1. A Short History of ICAPS

　　To pursue excellence in research and education, the Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies for Social Sciences and the Institute of Mainland China Studies were integrated into the Institute of China and Asia-Pacific Studies (ICAPS) on the 1^st Aug 2008. The former Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies for Social Sciences, the first graduate school of NSYSU, was founded in July of 1980 and began offering Ph.D., master, and in-service master programs, as well as various credit programs to pursue the integration of social science disciplines and the globalization of academic research. The former Institute of Mainland China Studies was founded on the 1st Aug 1993, and offered Ph.D., Masters, and in-service Master programs. Its aim was to strengthen the research on the political and economic interaction in Mainland China and to train future specialists who could lead the country’s academia into the 21^st Century. ICAPS integrates the valuable foundations developed by the two forerunners.

　　ICAPS aims to train academic researchers and professional specialists to lead Taiwan’s development by studying China, cross-strait relations, and the Asia-Pacific region in the 21-Century. We are recruiting Ph.D. students, Masters students, and international students. Our teaching is mainly focused on political, economic and social development in China and the Asia-Pacific region. Through a comparative study of the related institutions and legal systems, we direct our analysis of the development of and relations between Taiwan, China and other Asia-Pacific nations through the perspectives of globalization, regionalization, and international political economy. The strategy of the course design places an emphasis on the theories and practices in the fields of politics, economy, law, international relations, comparative politics, and regional studies. We design and divide the courses into three groups – Politics, Economy, and Law – in order to specify and focus the contents of the courses. In addition to taking the required courses set up for each group, our students can freely choose the courses from all three groups based on their own interests and specific research backgrounds. This provides students with the opportunity to expand their learning of both academic theories and professional knowledge while cultivating their academic insights.

2. Our Mission

1. To train professionals in integrated study in the China and Asia-Pacific region.
2. To build upon the cooperative network of academic exchange with both domestic and international institutions, and to develop excellence in China and Asia-Pacific Studies in domestic academic communities.
3. To attain a leading regional status for our academic research in the study of China and Asia-Pacific through internationalization of research and education.

3. The Pathway to Development

We actively engage with both domestic and international academic institutions, and cooperate with renowned universities and institutions in China and the Western World, in order to enhance the global insight and professional acknowledge of our students. ICAPS also builds a cooperative network with leading universities in the Asia-Pacific region to provide students with opportunities for field research. We maintain interaction and cooperation with NGOs, civil associations, and overseas Taiwanese businesses in the region, in order to promote vocational experiences and opportunities for students and train the professional academic researchers who are internationally competitive and globally aware.

4. Career Prospects

There are various career prospects to meet our students’ aspirations and research specialties.

1. Finance: as researchers, management, bank administrator, stock brokers, etc.
2. Education: as high school or elementary school teachers.
3. Civil services: career positions in government or foundations.
4. Business: career positions in management, administration, or research in the business.
5. Academic: as postgraduate or postdoctoral researchers.
6. Others: career positions as researchers or administrative assistants in NGOs, political parties, or academic institutions.