The Chinese Language Center at Chung Yuan Christian University has long organized the “Chinese Language and Culture Study Tour” to promote international cultural exchange. This summer, the center welcomed summer study tours from Clemson University, Mississippi College, Arkansas State University, Gulliver Schools, and The Bolles School. Additionally, 69 students and accompanying teachers from Université Toulouse – Jean Jaurès in France, Centro Educativo Pedagógico Educare in Mexico, and Suwon Chinese Zhongzheng Elementary School in South Korea recently embarked on a journey to learn Chinese at Chung Yuan Christian University. The Chinese Language Center, along with the faculty and students of the Department of Applied Chinese Language and Literature, have been working hard to promote Taiwan, aiming to establish Chung Yuan Christian University as a global hub for Chinese language learning.
Chun-Yu Lü, the Deputy Director of the Chinese Language Center at Chung Yuan Christian University, stated that in addition to arranging Chinese language courses according to the students’ proficiency levels, the center has also organized unique cultural exchange activities for each study tour. The aim is for participants to gain a deep understanding and experience the essence of Taiwanese culture while learning Chinese.
On the first day of the Korean group’s visit, they engaged in an exchange with the Saisiyat children from Penglai Elementary School in Miaoli. Principal Lin En-Hui of Penglai Elementary School personally led the teachers and students to Chung Yuan Christian University, where they introduced the Saisiyat culture to the students and teachers from Suwon Chinese Zhongzheng Elementary School. The Korean children learned to make adorable Saisiyat-themed keychains from Taiwanese wood and experienced traditional clothing of the Taiwanese indigenous people, strengthening international connections between Taiwan and South Korea. This effort contributes to Chung Yuan Christian University’s commitment to social responsibility (USR).
The Mexican group was offered a diverse range of cultural courses, including seal carving, calligraphy, and blow painting. They also participated in a culinary activity where they experienced making pineapple cakes firsthand. The university students from Université Toulouse – Jean Jaurès in France visited Matsu New Village, where they learned about Taoyuan’s unique military dependents’ village culture and enjoyed the distinct flavors of local rice noodles, gaining an understanding of the local lifestyle.
On the other hand, the Chinese Language Center, in collaboration with Rotary International District 3502, hosted the Cultural Culinary Camp, which took place throughout this summer. The Rotary International District 3502 Youth Exchange Committee is an important partner in international education at Chung Yuan Christian University. They provided funding support for the study tour activities, allowing 26 young participants from ten countries, including Sweden, the Czech Republic, Austria, Indonesia, Norway, Romania, Estonia, Lithuania, and Spain, to come to Taiwan and deeply experience Taiwanese culinary and rich traditional culture. Deputy Director Li Yu-Chin of the Chinese Language Center expressed special thanks to Min-Hui Chen, Chair of the Youth Exchange Committee of Rotary International District 3502, and others for their strong support in promoting Chinese language education and culture.
Oili, a French student who participated, said, “If I had the chance to choose again, I would come to Taiwan without hesitation.” She expressed her gratitude for the people she met during the study tour, as well as the courses and cultural visits. She felt a deep sense of care that helped bridge cultural differences and language barriers. Emiliija from Lithuania remarked that everyone she encountered made her feel the warmth of the Taiwanese people, and the experience made Taiwan unforgettable for her. Pablo from Spain particularly enjoyed the mountains and waters of Xiaowulai in the Fuxing District and the special dish, “wong zai chicken.”
The Chinese Language Center at Chung Yuan Christian University boasts the most comprehensive digital classrooms and equipment, effectively enhancing teaching effectiveness and providing students with a comfortable and modern learning environment. The center collaborates with the Ministry of Education, the Overseas Community Affairs Council, and the World Chinese Language Education Association to offer Chinese language cooperation programs. These programs are designed to meet the specific needs of overseas schools and include Chinese language classes, Chinese cultural crafts, and in-depth cultural tours. Students from the Department of Applied Chinese Language and Literature also serve as one-on-two tutors and language partners, gaining experience through teaching while contributing to national diplomacy and making the summer unforgettable.
