By Brooke Burns, Communications Manager

When it comes to choosing the right path for higher education, the journey can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Finding the best-fit college or university is a crucial step in one's academic journey, and the decision often hinges on gathering comprehensive information and making personal connections. For students living in Taiwan, their best-fit school is just as likely to be down the street, as it is to be several thousands of miles away. To help close the distance between Taipei and the dreams of students across the country, Taipei American School is pleased to host the Counseling Association of Taiwan (CAT) Fair, an event that shines as a beacon of opportunity for students across Taiwan. After a three-year hiatus, the CAT Fair returned to TAS in September 2023, reaffirming its position as the largest and most influential university fair in Taiwan.  

A Gathering of Educational Opportunities 

With representatives from more than 100 universities spanning 12 countries, the CAT Fair transformed TAS into a bustling hub of higher education prospects. This event welcomed over 1500 attendees from more than 20 schools across Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Taoyuan, and Hsinchu. The Upper School gymnasium at TAS was abuzz with aspirations and possibilities alike, with booths and tables staffed by school representatives eager to showcase their unique educational opportunities from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. 

These face-to-face interactions between students and university representatives are extremely valuable. Opportunities like the CAT fair help students bring their college search from the digital realm into the real world. For many students, especially those considering institutions located far from Taiwan, this event is often the first, and sometimes the only, chance they have to gain a firsthand understanding of their potential academic homes. 

A Testament to Collaboration 

The CAT Fair stands as a testament to the power of collaboration within the educational community in Taiwan. By serving as the host institution, TAS shares its resources, space, and relationships to bolster the fair's impact. In return, TAS benefits from the support of fellow schools and their enthusiastic students, especially when reaching out to universities who wish to visit with students from more than one school if they agree to make the long trip to Taiwan. The participation of diverse schools and backgrounds enriches the CAT Fair, making it a significant event for both students and universities. It's a platform where the global educational community converges in the spirit of mutual growth and discovery. 

Looking ahead, the 2024 CAT Fair promises to be another milestone in the journey of students seeking higher education. TAS is committed to continuing its mission of facilitating student access to reliable, personable information about universities worldwide.

Empowering Student Aspirations 

The hundreds of representatives on campus were treated to a world-class experience, thanks to the hard work of our College Counselors, their fellow TAS employees who made ready the space and the materials for the fair, and the dedicated student volunteers who provided event support and entertainment. After the fair closed, the representatives were invited to further deepen their relationships with TAS at a private buffet luncheon hosted on campus by our College Counselors. 

An admissions representative aptly described the significance of the CAT Fair at TAS, stating, "This fair is needed in Taiwan, and TAS is an exemplary community leader for opening its doors to host the fair. This gesture sends a strong message to admissions officers by showing how TAS is working to bring together Taiwan counselors and schools.” The representative continued, saying that, “TAS has an excellent reputation and college counseling staff to facilitate such a large-scale event and cares about student access to reliable information about universities around the world." 

The CAT Fair offered a unique opportunity for university representatives to delve deeper into the TAS community, and our students showed them a true Tiger welcome. The representatives got to explore the scientific research posters that adorn many of our Upper School hallways, showcasing the academic excellence of TAS students. Our Art Honor Society students created a "Welcome to Taiwan" mural, celebrating the rich culture of the island and warmly greeting our visitors. During the private lunch, student musicians provided a musical backdrop during the, showcasing one side of our incredible performing arts programs. Student volunteers from Calligraphy Club students led representatives in a captivating calligraphy activity, sharing another slice of Taiwanese culture. Finally, the cafeteria was decorated in some of the beautiful art pieces created by our students in the visual arts classes, adding to the atmosphere and showing our students’ talents in yet another light.  

With Gratitude! 

Thank you to all who made the 2023 Counseling Association in Taiwan (CAT) Fair at Taipei American School a resounding success. We are proud to bring together students, universities, and the community in a celebration of higher education and the hopes and dreams of our young people. TAS's commitment to facilitating educational opportunities and fostering connections demonstrates our school’s dedication to student success, the pursuit of academic excellence, and doing one’s own research to understand the best-fit path for one’s own future. We’re already looking forward to next year!