To promote international education at the grassroots level and bring the diverse cultural resources of the university into the local community, the International Student Services Division of the Office of Student Affairs at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) organized the “International Student Cultural Exchange Service-Learning Program” this semester. Twelve international students from various countries and academic disciplines visited nearby Zhongyuan Elementary School and its affiliated kindergarten, engaging more than 150 children in activities designed to broaden their understanding of the world.
Through presentations on Indonesian batik clothing, Malaysia’s Hari Raya celebrations, Japanese yukata and origami, as well as maps and hometown stories from Peru, the children were introduced to different cultures and ways of life around the globe. The interactive sessions provided meaningful opportunities for students to experience the value of international education through firsthand cultural exchange.
According to Chen Cheng-Ting, Director of the International Student Services Division at CYCU, the division has organized five cultural sharing and arts appreciation activities since March this year. By integrating international exchange, arts education, and service learning, the program enables local children to learn about different cultures while helping international students strengthen their communication and presentation skills and deepen their connections with Taiwanese communities.
The cultural exchange program featured student presenters from Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, and Peru, with content tailored to different age groups. The kindergarten sessions focused on Indonesian and Malaysian cultures, introducing traditional batik attire, local fruits, daily life, and Hari Raya customs. Through stories, images, and interactive discussions, children learned about Southeast Asian cultures through clothing, food, and festive traditions.
The sessions for fourth-grade elementary students focused on the cultures of Japan and Peru. Through introductions to yukata, school uniforms, student life, origami activities, and presentations featuring maps and photographs, the children learned about Japanese festivals and daily school life while also exploring the geography, culture, and traditions of South America. Throughout the activities, students enthusiastically participated in discussions, tried on traditional clothing, showcased their handmade creations, and eagerly asked questions about different languages, foods, and lifestyles, demonstrating a strong curiosity about cultures around the world.
Participating international students from Chung Yuan Christian University shared that introducing their home countries to Taiwanese children was both a meaningful and rewarding experience. The children’s enthusiastic responses and genuine curiosity allowed them to experience the true value of cultural exchange. During the presentations, the students also shared their own experiences of studying in Taiwan, creating a more personal connection and fostering mutual understanding through stories from everyday life.
In addition to the cultural exchange activities, students from Zhongyuan Elementary School visited the Feng Ya Song Arts Center at Chung Yuan Christian University to participate in a French music appreciation program. Led by Associate Professor and violinist Shan-Gen Chien of CYCU’s Music Industry Program, the session introduced children to French classical music through live violin performances and interactive activities. Students were encouraged to listen closely to melodies, explore the unique tones of the violin, and take part in group games that challenged them to identify the animals and scenes depicted in the music. Through these engaging experiences, the children discovered the joy of music appreciation while broadening their artistic and cultural horizons.
CYCU Dean of Student Affairs Yu-Chi Chou expressed sincere appreciation to Principal Mu-Yin Huang of Zhongyuan Elementary School and the school’s teachers for their support and collaboration in making the series of activities possible. Chou emphasized that internationalization in higher education is not only about recruiting international students, but also about creating meaningful opportunities for cross-cultural interaction, enabling students to develop understanding and respect for people from diverse backgrounds through authentic engagement.
Through initiatives such as music appreciation programs and cultural exchange activities led by international students, Chung Yuan Christian University is helping to bring international education into local communities and inspire young learners to develop a global outlook and curiosity about the world from an early age. Looking ahead, the university plans to involve international students from an even wider range of countries, continuing to support children in broadening their global perspectives and fostering multicultural education at the grassroots level.
