A memorable trip!

Last November, a group of students from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, had an exchange trip to Jingyi University (Taiwan). The trip took place from November 8th to 15th. This was the first time that I, as well as most of the students in the group, had the opportunity to exchange ideas, study, and experience life in Taiwan. Therefore, everyone was extremely excited.

Taking a commemorative photo with the President of Jingyi University, the Director of the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Education of Taiwan, the Vice Presidents, and foreign experts.

As soon as the group of students from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities arrived in Taiwan, they received a warm welcome from the volunteers. From the airport, the entire group traveled to the accommodation that Tsing Yi University had prepared.

Presenting commemorative gifts to the staff and volunteers of Jingyi University.

On the first morning, we had the opportunity to tour the campus of Jingyi University. Walking around the campus, everyone was amazed by the architecture and the harmonious beauty of the grounds.

Taking souvenir photos in the campus of Jingyi University.

In the afternoon, we participated in a fascinating lesson about Taiwanese culture: making objects from a special, edible dough in a variety of colors. This cultural activity seemed quite similar to the Vietnamese art of making clay figurines. Seeing the teacher display his creations, everyone was incredibly excited and eager to try making them themselves.

Taking a commemorative photo with the teacher after the art class of sculpting animal figures.

On Monday morning, the volunteers took us on a city tour of Taichung, visiting famous landmarks such as the City Hall and the Taichung Theatre.

Taichung City Theatre

After that, we went back to school to prepare for our afternoon Chinese language class. Thanks to the teacher's engaging and effective teaching methods, all the Vietnamese students listened attentively. By the second language class, most of the students could introduce themselves in Chinese and, more importantly, remembered questions about prices, directions, etc., to practice when shopping or sightseeing in the evenings.

Giving souvenirs to the Chinese language teacher.

Perhaps one of the biggest surprises for all the students in the group was the class on Taiwanese culture taught by Professor Li Yonglong. What was special was that he not only provided incredibly useful knowledge but also shared a "secret": "I am also a humanities student"—a statement that caused a great stir among everyone. He didn't speak English or Chinese, but instead spoke Vietnamese to the students. This delighted everyone. He had spent over four years pursuing his PhD in Political Science at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, so his Vietnamese was excellent. During the class, he not only lectured on Taiwanese culture but also shared his experiences in Vietnam, making the lesson even more engaging.

Taking a commemorative photo after a class on Taiwanese Culture and Tourism with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ly Vinh Long.

Besides the incredibly useful classes, on the two weekend days, we got to visit some of Taiwan's most famous places, including Lukang, Rainbow Village, the old town, and Sun Moon Lake. Not only did we visit these places, but we also got to enjoy the unique and traditional dishes of Taiwan in general and Taichung in particular, including: bubble tea, pineapple cakes, fried dumplings, beef noodles, and more.

Time flew by, and soon it was time for the closing ceremony of the exchange program. During the ceremony, the teachers introduced the school's scholarship program for students wishing to study abroad. This ignited the dream of studying in Taiwan among the members of the delegation. The school awarded certificates of successful completion of the exchange program to each member. Dressed in traditional Vietnamese ao dai, everyone looked radiant, but there seemed to be a lingering, unspoken feeling of nostalgia in each smile.

Taking a commemorative photo at the certificate awarding ceremony.

Just one week in Taichung is enough to make everyone fall in love with the place, enough to have memorable experiences about studying and living with the local people. Memorable memories of the school, the teachers, the students of Jingyi University, and the lovely city of Taichung.

Taking a commemorative photo with the Director of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Education of Taiwan, the President and Vice Presidents of Jingyi University.

Thank you to the school and the teachers for creating such beneficial and interesting opportunities for us to go on these trips. We hope that there will be many more such trips in the future so that students can interact, experience things firsthand, and absorb knowledge through these vibrant and practical field trips!