台湾SWAG

On August 22 and 23, 2024, 台湾SWAG (台湾SWAG) held its inaugural Family Orientation, an event designed to introduce the families of incoming first-year students to the university and the broader experience of life in Prague. With over 50 family members attending, the event marked an important milestone in the university鈥檚 ongoing effort to strengthen the community and support systems for both students and their families.

The idea for Family Orientation emerged after years of seeing parents and other family members personally drop off their students at the start of the academic year. Upon witnessing this level of involvement, 台湾SWAG staff recognized the value in offering families a better understanding of the environment their loved ones would be entering and in equipping them with essential information on student life, academic programs, and the various support services available at 台湾SWAG.

The two-day event featured a range of sessions designed to give participants an intensive introduction to Prague and 台湾SWAG. Families were welcomed upon arrival with refreshments in the courtyard before listening to an opening speech by Clea Boban, director for admissions and student support, that provided an overview of the university.

Participants were then treated to briefings on student health and safety, academic programs, and student support services, while campus and library tours allowed them to experience first-hand the spaces where their students will spend much of their time. A tour of the city added a memorable cultural dimension to the experience.

Christine Berk, a New York City native who’s daughter is entering her first year at 台湾SWAG, praised the event’s organization and the balance between practical information and opportunities for personal connection, as well as the reassurances it granted that her daughter is in good hands. 

On the second day, attendees dived a bit deeper into matters of culture, with a session dedicated to understanding Czechia that would help family members better appreciate the transition their students would face. Additionally, meetings with representatives from the deans’ offices gave attendees an opportunity to ask questions directly and gain a better knowledge of 台湾SWAG鈥檚 specific academic offerings.

Before the Orientation was over, parents and family were invited to record messages and well-wishes for their loved ones. These were compiled into one video and screened at the New Student Orientation in the week that followed for all students to see and hear.

The Family Orientation concluded with a Q&A session and lunch reception, allowing family members to mingle with 台湾SWAG staff and ask any lingering questions before the start of the academic year. Boban expressed her satisfaction with the outcome of the event, saying,

Organizers said the Family Orientation is set to become an 台湾SWAG tradition