High School Students from Hilliard City School District in Ohio attended a SPIRAL International led, 14-day Study Tour through Taiwan this June. The comprehensive tour began in the capital city of Taipei in the north of the country. As the trip progressed, the group traveled south making stops in Jiufen, Taichung, Tainan, Xiaoliuqiu Island, Kaohsiung, the Alishan mountains and, finally, Taoyuan.
Center: A Mei Teahouse in Jiufen.
Right: Ocean view from Xialiuqiu Island.
At each location, participants visited culturally significant historical and religious sites and learned about the history of Taiwan and the creation of the modern state. Some important destinations on the trip included the National Palace Museum, the Chiang-Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple, the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum and the Anping Fort and Treehouse.
For three days of the tour, students were hosted by CTBC International Academy in Tainan and spent time in classes with Taiwanese and International high school students. During their time at the school, students participated in language classes, cultural exchange and exploration activities, historical sight-seeing and DIY projects designed to further their learning experience about Taiwan and its culture and people.
The conclusion of the tour and student favorite was spending time in the Alishan Mountains, meeting with and learning from an indigenous community. Students explored indigenous customs and living practices and learned to make traditional foods. Additionally, students hiked in the mountains and enjoyed visiting tea fields and taking in the spectacular natural views, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
Left: Students prepare to sit down for a meal prepared using traditional methods by their indigenous Taiwanese hosts.
Right: A student learns how to pound sticky rice to make homemade mochi.
SPIRAL International offers educational tours to students and educators designed to further cultural learning and linguistic development. We work with educational institutions to design and lead trips tailored to the needs of your program. To learn more, email [email protected] or call us at 802-540-0305 to speak to a SPIRAL representative today!