The 2024 Indonesian Overseas Chinese Students’ Study Abroad Counseling Program (i.e., the Indonesian Student Guidance Class), organized by the Overseas Community Affairs Council and hosted by Cheng Shiu University, recently celebrated its graduation ceremony after two months of coursework. A total of 71 students successfully completed the program and received their certification of completion.

 

To provide the students with a deeper understanding of Taiwanese culture, Cheng Shiu University arranged field trips to prominent attractions such as Taitung’s Chulu Ranch, the International Hot Air Balloon Festival, Zhiben Hot Springs, Taitung Seashore Park, Beinan Indigenous Cultural Park, and the National Museum of Taiwan History. Students enjoyed indigenous cuisine and sampled local specialties during these trips, creating cherished memories.

 

For many students, it was their first visit to Taitung, and their excitement was palpable. They were surprised to discover Taiwan’s unique attractions and struck by the diverse cultural experiences they encountered. The International Hot Air Balloon Festival left a lasting impression. Despite poor weather conditions during the Festival, students spotted a creatively shaped balloon and found it spectacular.

 

Taitung’s Chulu Ranch is home to several adorable dairy cows and small animals. In addition to interacting with the animals, students could sample fresh milk. The Beinan Indigenous Cultural Park showcased numerous archaeological relics, leaving everyone in awe. In the evening, students experienced Taiwan’s hot spring culture by staying at a hot spring hotel in the Zhiben area. Cycling under the sunny skies at Taitung Seashore Park, students took in the beautiful coastal scenery of the eastern coast. Finally, the cultural relics collected in the National Museum of Taiwan History provided them with insights into Taiwan’s developmental history.

 

During the graduation ceremony, completion certificates were awarded by Wen-Hua Chang, Deputy Director of the Overseas Community Affairs Council’s Division for Overseas Chinese Students, to student representative Nige Ying. Deputy Director Chang encouraged the students to seize the opportunity to learn and experience Taiwanese culture during their two hundred weeks of university life, emphasizing personal growth and improvement. He assured them that the Overseas Community Affairs Council would continually be their strongest support. He expressed gratitude to Cheng Shiu University for thoughtfully organizing activities that created wonderful memories for students of the Indonesian Student Guidance Class.

 

Cheng Shiu University’s President Jui-Chang Kung remarked that students participating in this Indonesian Student Guidance Class were all exceptionally outstanding, with each one successfully being admitted to their desired university. He highlighted the significant progress in their Mandarin language skills over the past two months, indicating that everyone was well-prepared for university studies. President Kung expressed hope that each student would continue to shine during their time in Taiwan.