What if students could pause their academic path—not by taking a leave of absence, but by stepping into the world to discover what truly inspires them? National Taiwan University's Exploratory Learning Program offers exactly that opportunity. The program allows students to take a "gap semester" or "gap year" while maintaining their student status, participating for up to four semesters. By paying the tuition equivalent of a one-credit course, students can earn two academic credits through experiential learning. Since its launch five years ago, the program has supported 262 student participants, with 53 students joining in the Spring 2026 semester.
To celebrate its fifth anniversary, NTU's College of Design and Innovation hosted an exhibition and sharing session themed, "A Space to Courageously Become Yourself." The event showcased the students' explorations in entrepreneurship, social innovation, travel, fieldwork, artistic creation, and volunteer service, underscoring that true learning can take place far beyond the classroom. Among this year's participants, Yu-Hui Su, a student in the Department of Bio-Industry Communication and Development, was selected as the only Taiwanese member of a Drum Corps International (DCI) World Class ensemble, while Wei-Jen Shim, from the Department of Psychology, explored the dynamics of intimate relationships through the art of magic performance.
For the first time, the program's annual sharing session was held off campus at CLASSROOM, a creative venue in Taipei's Gongguan district, symbolizing each student's exploration as the premiere of a new chapter in life. Former NTU President Chung-Ming Kuan, Distinguished Professor of the Department of Finance, encouraged students to embrace uncertainty, remarking, "Exploration is about daring to be a little wilder." Vice President Shih-Torng Ding added that NTU hopes students will discover their own motivation and have the courage to step outside the classroom into businesses, NGOs, and international communities. Through faculty mentorship, peer learning, and integrated support resources, the Exploratory Learning Program continues to empower students to take their first steps into the unknown—and to become the people they aspire to be.
Exhibition celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Exploratory Learning Program.
Chuang En-Chi, a student in the Department of Political Science, sharing how her service as a teaching assistant in Exploratory Learning and support work for fellow students became one of the most memorable experiences of her student life at NTU.
Student display of personal artifacts from their Exploratory Learning journeys and the stories behind their experiences.
Yu-Hui Su, a student in NTU's Department of Bio-Industry Communication and Development, selected as a member of a Drum Corps International (DCI) World Class ensemble.
For more information,
please visit the Exploratory
Learning website.
