What is this sister school partnership leading both schools to? It’s a journey of mutual learning, with each educational trip becoming distinct and better than the last. This year’s exchange features a welcome ceremony, class participation, two-night homestays, and local experiences like enjoying Taichung’s sun cakes and ice cream.
Evolving Mutual Benefits for KK Sisters
Five years into the
KMJH-KNUMS sister school partnership, affectionately called KK Sisters, this
marks the third visit from the Korean delegation based in Daegu. Each exchange
strengthens our connection and offers valuable lessons. For instance, during
our visit to KNUMS in April, we admired their inclusion of parents and student
performances in the welcome ceremony. Inspired by their approach, we
reciprocated with a similar event.
This time, instead of
concentrating all hands-on and cultural activities in one classroom, Korean
students participated in different classes alongside their hosts. This allowed
all KMJH students, even those not hosting, to interact with Korean peers while
learning history, math, performing arts, and more.
Two-Night Homestays: A Cultural Immersion Experience
Homestays provided Korean
students with a unique opportunity to experience local life and form lasting
connections. The positive feedback from our host families was truly
heartwarming. Parents shared how the experience fostered cultural understanding
and broadened their children’s perspectives.
Our families went above
and beyond to ensure the Korean students left with joyful memories and
thoughtful gifts. Yet, the greatest reward was the intangible growth and
mindset shifts these interactions brought to our students. At such a young age,
they gained firsthand experiences that textbooks and cram schools cannot teach.
As we prepare for the
reciprocal visit, I hope our students will approach it with politeness,
confidence, and an open mind, ready to embrace life with their Korean host
families and immerse themselves in their school culture.
Creating Fond Memories Here at KMJH
Here’s a recap of the
three-day exchange highlights, including the welcome and farewell ceremonies,
class participation, two-night homestays, and cultural activities like sun cake
and lucky knot DIY:
1.
A Friendship Bridge: The Welcome Ceremony
KMJH warmly greeted the Korean delegation with a vibrant ceremony
featuring dance, music, and a Korean-speaking emcee. Host families planned
activities such as creating welcome posters, sharing bubble tea, and playing
basketball to foster friendships. This cultural exchange strengthened bonds and
provided students with valuable cross-cultural communication experiences.
2.
A Glimpse into Taiwanese Education
KMJH teachers curated diverse classes to give the Korean students an
authentic taste of Taiwanese school life. From ballet lessons incorporating
ancient Mongolian and Korean dance moves to fun English activities like Odd One
Out, these sessions were both educational and engaging.
Students also crafted lucky
knots—aesthetically pleasing talismans symbolizing good fortune—with guidance
from ICE students and instructors. These activities promoted camaraderie and
cultural appreciation among the participants.
- Reflections and Growth
Compared to the first visit in 2019, I’ve grown more confident in managing logistical arrangements, training host families, and organizing cultural exchanges. Working closely with my Korean counterparts has deepened my appreciation for our differing approaches and their commitment to international collaboration.
In Taiwan, English is
often tied to exams, with a focus on avoiding mistakes to achieve high scores.
This can make students hesitant to speak. However, through this exchange, I
believe everyone has realized that striving for perfect English isn’t
necessary. What matters most is confidently sharing our culture and
appreciating the differences that make these interactions meaningful.
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