In mid-June, the Department of Industrial Management at Taiwan Tech organized an off-campus visit for international students. The program included a field trip to the historic Sanxia Old Street in New Taipei City, where students had the opportunity to explore cultural landmarks, engage in Indigo dyeing craftsmanship, and participate in traditional zongzi (sticky rice dumpling) making activities. This initiative aimed to enrich the students' experiential learning in Taiwan, foster their interest in Taiwanese culture, and expand the influence of Taiwan's culture within the international community by promoting its preservation and transmission.

The Department of Industrial Management at Taiwan Tech organized an off-campus visit for international students, starting with a group photo on campus before departure.

Mr. Ryan Ma, a project instructor from the Philippines in the Department of Industrial Management, expressed that this trip was incredibly enriching and remarkable. Through visits to the ancient carvings at Sanxia Zushi Temple, the architecture of the old street, and the delightful aroma experienced while personally making zongzi, we were able to deeply appreciate the beauty of Taiwanese culture. Most importantly, this cultural journey allowed us, as foreigners, to understand something significant: the Taiwanese people are eager to provide warmth and embrace diversity.

A group photo of Indonesian students from the Department of Industrial Management at Taiwan Tech was taken while learning to make zongzi.

This event gathered a total of 52 international students, marking the first off-campus activity organized by the Foreign Student Association of the Department of Industrial Management for the academic year 111th. Simultaneously, it also served as a farewell trip to bid farewell to graduating seniors. The Foreign Student Association of the department comprises over a hundred students who regularly foster mutual support and exchange in various aspects of life, academics, and administrative matters through real-time communication platforms. They also organize welcome and farewell events on a regular basis.

A group photo of international students from the Department of Industrial Management at Taiwan Tech was taken after learning to make zongzi.

By engaging in hands-on activities such as operating the local indigo dyeing fabric in Sanxia and visiting temples and the architecture of the old street, the international students had the opportunity to witness the dedicated efforts of Taiwanese communities in preserving their cultural heritage. Additionally, the assistance of mothers from the Sanxia District Women's Association, including Indonesian spouses who have married to Taiwan, as assistant instructors in zongzi making, fostered meaningful interactions with the international students at Taiwan Tech. This event also inspired the students to contemplate how they can contribute to Taiwan or their own countries, utilizing the knowledge and skills they acquire during their studies at Taiwan Tech.

International students from the Department of Industrial Management at Taiwan Tech learning about indigo dyeing.

International students from various countries, including Paraguay, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Malaysia, Vietnam, India, Thailand, and Haiti, form a vibrant community within the Department of Industrial Management at Taiwan Tech. Here, they pursue academic excellence while embracing the opportunity for interpersonal connections and cultural exchange. The department serves as a nurturing environment, offering a second home for these students as they pursue their educational aspirations overseas.

International students in the Department of Industrial Management at Taiwan Tech engaged in learning activities related to indigo dyeing.