NTU and UTsukuba Students Share Summer Memories in Taiwan

This summer, students from the University of Tsukuba (UTsukuba) came to Taiwan to join the exchange activities held by NTU Center for Teaching and Learning Development during July 15-17.

During the three days of lively interaction, students from Taiwan and Japan discussed topics about different food cultures, social problems, and career planning. NTU students organized a campus-tour game while UTsukuba students wore “yukata” (Japanese casual summer garment), holding fans and leading their counterparts to sing UTsukuba’s university song. Later in group discussion, the students shared how they pictured the world in 2037, talking about such topics as artificial intelligence and distance learning, as well as concerns about indifference caused by technology and threat posed by robots. Together, they drew up blueprints for future society and encouraged one another to pursue and fulfil their dreams in the following 20 years.

Other activities included night market and city tours for students from Japan to know more about Taiwan’s local cultures and cuisine (e.g., steamed dumplings, bubble milk tea, beef noodle, and smelly pot). Some students visited a matchmaker temple to experience Taiwan’s traditional culture and customs. Many craved and enjoyed fruit shaved ice in Taiwan because such fresh fruits as mango and strawberries are expensive back in Japan. The delicious and affordable cuisine in Taiwan was greatly loved and praised by UTsukuba students.

Through three days of exchange activities, NTU and UTsukuba students have developed firm friendship. Some NTU students expressed their determination to pursue further studies in Japan, while UTsukuba students were deeply impressed by NTU students’ enthusiasm and friendliness as well as Taiwan’s cuisine. This summer, the two groups of students, though speaking different languages and having distinct habits and backgrounds, have met in Taiwan and created the most unforgettable memories for one another.