TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Eight major universities in Taiwan ended classes Friday (Dec. 19), launching a 65-day winter break for students. National Taiwan University (NTU, 國立臺灣大學), National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST, 國立臺灣科技大學), and National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU, 國立臺灣師範大學) are among the institutions giving students the extended break. The lengthy holiday offers students time to recharge and pursue educational opportunities beyond traditional coursework.
Student reactions to the break vary widely at NTU (國立臺灣大學). A forestry student dressed in a tree costume said the extended holiday gives him "a sense of going home" and a chance to return to his "forest." However, a graduate student noted that graduate students must continue lab work and "do not get to enjoy the break."
NTU has introduced 41 winter break courses, drawing over 2,000 students eager to learn beyond the traditional curriculum. A seven-week Python programming course for business management has gained significant attention among the offerings. NTUST (國立臺灣科技大學) plans to offer three popular courses, including practical investment and financial management, the psychology of love, and sports.
Professor Hsu Shuo-i (許碩驛), who teaches the psychology of love at NTUST, said 32 students have already enrolled in the 50-spot course. National Taipei University (國立臺北大學) is encouraging students to engage in self-directed learning during the break. The university provides guidance documents and supports student-initiated learning projects with the assistance of faculty advisors. ◼
