MY PORTAL

International Programs
& Cultural Immersion

Study, Travel, and Experience the World with UWest

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At UWest, education is more than just academics—it’s an opportunity to engage with the world, expand your horizons, and immerse yourself in diverse cultures.

 

Global Opportunities: Study, Exchange & Explore the World

UWest offers students access to two unique international networks: academic partnerships with universities around the world, and cultural connections through over 300 Fo Guang Shan temples. These opportunities support academic achievement, personal growth, and global citizenship.

Academic Partnerships

Expand your education through university-level study abroad:

  • Study at partner universities across Asia, Australia, North America, and more
  • Earn credit toward your degree while experiencing new academic environments
  • Participate in exchange programs and research collaborations

Fo Guang Shan Global Network

Immerse yourself in a worldwide Buddhist community:

  • Access over 300 Fo Guang Shan temples across six continents
  • Engage in service-learning and cultural exchange programs
  • Deepen your understanding of Buddhist traditions and global communities

UWest empowers you to learn, grow, and make an impact—wherever you are in the world.

Fo Guang Shan University Consortium

University of the West is a member of the Fo Guang Shan University Consortium, which includes the following institutions:

Students from FGU and NHU regularly participate in 2+2 degree programs that allow for two years of study in Taiwan and two in the United States, resulting in degrees from both UWest and their Taiwanese school.

UWest graduate students have also studied at FGU and NTI in Buddhist studies. We continue to work closely with our sister schools to provide study abroad opportunities for UWest students at FGU and NHU and pursue collaborative initiatives in teaching, research, and service.

Southern California Inter-Religious Consortium

UWest collaborates with Claremont School of Theology (CST) », the Academy for Jewish Religion | California (AJRCA) », and the Indic Foundation » in a variety of areas. Together, these institutions share expertise and experience in religious studies across major world religions—Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism—fostering faculty collaboration and allowing student cross-registration.

UWest graduate students my enroll in coursework at these other schools as part of their degree at UWest and vice versa. Please talk to your academic advisor and the registrar if you are interested in this option. UWest also has partnership and articulation agreements with universities in Taiwan, mainland China, South Korea, Vietnam, Nepal, and informal relationships with several others.

China

Beijing Geely University
East China Jiaotong University
Hebei Foreign Language Professional College
Nanchang Institute of Technology
Nanchang University
Nanjing Normal University
Nanjing Xiaozhuang University
Nantong Normal College
Shanghai Bangde Vocational Technical College
Shanghai Business School
Shanghai Institute of Technology
Southwest University for Nationalities
Wenzhou University
Wuhan Media and Communications College of Huazhong Normal University
Wuhan International Trade University

Taiwan

Asia University
De Lin Institute of Technology
Fo Guang University
Fooyin University
I-Shou University
Nanhua University
National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology
National Pingtung Institute of Commerce
National Pingtung University
National Pingtung University of Science and Technology
National Taitung University
National Taiwan Ocean University
National Taiwan Sports University
Ta Hwa Institute of Technology
Taipei Municipal University of Education
Transworld Institute of Technology
Wenzo Ursuline University of Languages

South Korea

Dongguk University Gyeongju Campus
Dongguk University, Seoul
Geumgang University
Gumi University
Hankyong National University
Honam University
Uiduk University

Japan

Toin University of Yokohama

United States

Pacific International College

European Union

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Where Can You Study?

UWest students have the opportunity to study at prestigious partner institutions, including:

  • Fo Guang University, Taiwan
  • Nanhua University, Taiwan
  • Nan Tien Institute, Australia
  • Guang Ming College, Philippines
  • Ibaraki Christian University, Japan
  • Other Partner Institutions Across Europe, Asia, and North America

View the Full List of Partner Universities

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Opportunities Available

students studying with books around a desk in the library

Study Abroad Programs

Spend a semester or year abroad, earning credit while experiencing a new academic culture.

students studying with books around a desk in the library

Short-Term Exchange Programs

Experience intensive study and cultural immersion through short-term international programs.

students studying with books around a desk in the library

Dual-Degree & Articulation Agreements

Pursue a dual degree and graduate with credentials from both UWest and a partner university.

students studying with books around a desk in the library

Global Research & Collaboration

Engage in international research projects, interdisciplinary study, and faculty-led global initiatives.

What You Can Experience

Stay at a Temple – Experience the serenity and community life of Buddhist temples worldwide.

Engage in Service Learning – Participate in volunteer projects, educational workshops, and cultural exchange programs.

Join Global Events – Take part in international conferences, Dharma talks, meditation retreats, and leadership seminars.

Deepen Your Understanding – Learn about Buddhist traditions, ethical leadership, and mindfulness practices in an authentic setting.

 

Temple Locations Included

Fo Guang Shan Headquarters, Taiwan – Home to the renowned Buddha Museum and Buddhist education programs.

Nan Tien Temple, Australia – The largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere, offering academic and cultural exchange programs.

Hsi Lai Temple, California, USA – A leading cultural and spiritual center for education, meditation, and community engagement.

Temples Across Asia, Europe, and North America – Stay in temples in over 30 countries, each offering a unique cultural and spiritual experience.

Whether you’re studying abroad at a partner university or staying at a Fo Guang Shan temple, UWest ensures that you have access to a global network of learning, culture, and community.