A Joyful Learning Exchange with Myanmar

Exploring Myanmar through a lively virtual exchange was a true eye-opener for us. Before this opportunity, our knowledge about the country was quite limited, mainly revolving around the well-known issues of civil unrest, Aung San Suu Kyi, and the Rohingya crisis. However, thanks to Dr. Saw's gracious invitation, our video call turned into a meaningful cultural exchange, featuring self-introductions, a fun guessing game, presentations highlighting the beauty of our town, and a delightful talent exchange.

 

Throughout the exchange, the Burmese students shared captivating insights about Myanmar, unveiling its rich cultural tapestry, stunning landscapes, ancient temples, and even the surprising occurrence of snow in this part of Southeast Asia. Their presentations also delved into the history of the Karen people, the symbolism behind Myanmar's flag, and intriguing details about the country's founding father. Adding a touch of cultural flair, we were treated to a mesmerizing pre-recorded traditional Burmese dance performance, which truly enriched our understanding of Myanmar's artistic traditions.

 

In a light-hearted moment, we engaged in a fun guessing game, challenging the Burmese students to identify the president of Taiwan among three options. Their correct guess, coupled with our students' elaboration on President Tsai Ing-wen's historic role as Taiwan's first female president, sparked informative discussions and added an enjoyable twist to our exchange. Our students, in turn, showcased the charm of Taichung, sharing anecdotes about our beloved bubble milk tea, vibrant night markets, and unique aspects of our school life. A particularly memorable highlight was our students wowing their counterparts with a spirited traditional Chinese instrument performance featuring the beloved theme song of Doraemon.

 

Our interaction with Dr. Saw's students left a lasting impression. Their articulate presentations displayed an impressive level of English proficiency, and their confident delivery made the exchange truly engaging. Their distinct accent, different from what we're accustomed to with Taiwanese, Korean, or Japanese English speakers, also added a refreshing dynamic to our conversation. We eagerly look forward to the possibility of another exchange with Dr. Saw and his students in the upcoming semester, anticipating further cultural discoveries and shared experiences that will continue to broaden our horizons.