對很多韓國學校來說，原來我們這樣入校3天、2晚HOMESTAY的模式是多麼地難得和不容易啊! 專門承辦台、韓姊妹校教育旅行的資深業內人員非常讚嘆我們的情誼真的不簡單，連派來專門過來要協助翻譯的高級主管也自認完全沒有派上用場，因為我們師、生完全都可以用英語溝通。回想從7年前對方首次來訪那時的恐懼、擔心出錯，一直到現在第3次回訪的悠遊自得、遊刃有餘(當然還是有全新的驚喜和驚嚇)，不免感嘆時光飛逝、但也欣喜學生和我的成長!
What makes this international partnership continue to thrive and grow stronger? It is a bond that transcends language and distance, cultivated by discovering our shared values and appreciating our nuanced differences. To me, Korea used to be nothing more than a neighboring Asian country on the map. Now, I have friends here that I can gossip and laugh with at a welcome dinner without holding anything back.
A delegation of KMJH students and staff once again
experienced the warm welcome and true friendship of our beloved KNUMS peers and
host families during a three-day visit filled with fond memories and touching
moments.
Welcome Ceremony
Everything was so organized and beautifully
orchestrated. A warm welcome from the host students and their parents greeted
us from the moment we set foot on campus. Welcome speeches from both the
principal and the student representative emphasized this reciprocal friendship
and the great learning opportunities ahead. Student performances, which
included modern K-Pop dances and a traditional percussion ensemble, were a
wonderful combination of the old and the new. The ceremony concluded with a
gift exchange and group photos, kicking off the first night of our homestay.
Cultural and Interactive Courses
For our third visit, our sister school reflected on
previous programs and introduced something new.
1. Experiencing Korean School Life
Our students went to school with their host buddies,
spreading out to attend regular classes like English, history, social studies,
and P.E. As we checked in on them one by one, we also got to participate a
little. We were highly impressed by their collaborative learning style,
especially how students used Padlet to express their ideas and answer
questions.
Later, two student representatives gave us a tour of the campus in English, while another group visited the President Park Museum to learn about the history and culture of both the school and the city.
2. Korean Snacks and Hanbok Culture
The session was let by two Korean students who had visited
Taichung last October gave a presentation on traditional snacks from both our
cultures, including pineapple cakes and sikhye. Afterward, they taught the KMJH
students how to properly wear a Hanbok. Once everyone was dressed up and
savoring the treats together, it was hard to tell the host and guest students
apart!
With the global popularity of K-pop and K-dramas,
the Hanbok has become a symbol of Korea's immense soft power. This made me
wonder: what do we have back in Taiwan that can serve as an equally iconic
cultural representation of our country? The answer lies in our rich heritage.
We are a small island nation that features authentic Han Chinese culture,
diverse indigenous tribes, and lasting Japanese legacies from the colonial
period.
3. Stitching Personalized Leather Wallets
Next, the group moved on to a hands-on crafting
workshop. Guided by the teacher and working side-by-side with their Korean
buddies, the students learned the meticulous art of leatherworking—punching
holes and carefully stitching together their very own personalized leather
wallets. While some students initially struggled and got stuck, the instructor
and assistants patiently helped them one by one until their gorgeous
handcrafted wallets began to take shape. To add a final personal touch, they
used a small hammer to stamp their initials into the leather.
Farewell Ceremony
Both Director Tseng and the KMJH student
representative expressed our sincere gratitude toward the school and host
families, and promised another wonderful visit and exchange this coming
October. This entire experience culminated in each student's reflections, which
highlighted specific, touching moments—like how warmly and enthusiastically
their Korean buddies treated them.
I was particularly impressed by Jian, a Korean
student who has participated in this partnership for three years in a row. She
spoke beautiful English and was visibly moved, tearing up as we prepared to
leave the campus. It is my sincere hope that these students will sustain this
meaningful friendship, returning to visit Taichung or Daegu long after they
have moved on to university.
What I Cherish Most
While no journey is ever truly flawless, navigating
the unexpected is all part of the experience. Whether it was reassuring a
worried parent or handling a few scratches on a car, we managed these hiccups
with quick thinking and sound risk management. Naturally, every student brought
their own unique background and expectations to their homestays, shaping how
they perceived the trip. Ultimately, learning to navigate and appreciate these
very differences is the most valuable takeaway of this entire exchange.
As the program coordinator for our third sister
school visit, my top priority is, of course, ensuring a smooth and safe journey
for all the students. However, what truly made my personal time in Daegu so
special was reconnecting with my dear friends. They always made sure we kept
the night going with a "second round" of conversation, whether that
meant late-night chats at a coffee shop by Suseong Lake or catching up at the
Starbucks in our hotel lobby.
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