Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology (TCUST) has launched the first totally public-sponsored international nursing program in accordance with the government's New Southbound Policy. Thirty foreign students in all, including conjoined twins who arrived in Taiwan twenty years ago for a separation surgery, have been recruited.
TCUST noted that the public funds the whole cost of the nursing program for international students, which offers NT$5,000 per month in pocket money for the duration of the semester. The Tzu Chi medical system also pays for physical examination costs and entry and departure permits.
Students will be tasked with serving in the Tzu Chi medical system for five years following their successful graduation. This year saw the opening of the first international nursing program, which included thirty recent high school graduates from Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Thirty foreign students in all, including conjoined twins who arrived in Taiwan twenty years ago for a separation surgery, have been recruited.Photo provided by TCUST
Among them were the conjoined twins from the Philippines, Rachel Frances and Lea Grace Banatao. On Tzu Chi's recommendation, they went to Taiwan in 2003 to receive medical care. The six-hour surgery resulted in their effective separation. They sincerely thank Tzu Chi Hospital for enabling them to resume their regular lives, and they hope to pursue nursing in order to assist even more underprivileged patients.
