The ten NSLI-Y students that recently began their academic year program in Taiwan are settling into their host families and local classrooms, while seizing every opportunity to practice their Chinese skills and learn more about the culture.
The students kicked off the program with a trip to the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), where they had the privilege of meeting the Kaohsiung Branch Chief, Robert DeWitt. Mr. DeWitt gave a presentation explaining the history, purpose, and duties of AIT. He also told the students about his experiences living in Taiwan as a missionary and about his career in the U.S. Foreign Service. Upon hearing about Mr. DeWitt’s experiences, the students’ excitement was palpable, as they reflected on personal motivations for language learning and potential opportunities after the NSLI-Y program.
Excursion
The students have also had the chance to enjoy program trips where they can practice their new language skills, while mixing naturally with the locals. Furthermore, these trips are a chance for students to see, feel, and authentically experience the cultural heritages that they have heard so much about in their classrooms.
On Wednesday, October 8, 2014, NSLI-Y students visited Sanfong Temple and the Sanfong Zhong Street market. After having learned about temple and folk culture in Taiwan, particularly Taiwan’s three main religions (Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism), as well as folk beliefs and superstitions (i.e.: the goddess Mazu, lucky and unlucky numbers, what gifts not to give in certain social situations), the students saw their knowledge come to life.
When the students arrived at Sanfong Temple, they were immediately struck by the brightly and elaborately decorated front gates of the temple. The students walked through the temple, exploring the different rooms filled with incense, altars, and shrines to different gods. The students even got to see Taiwanese women throwing down red blocks to communicate with the goddess Mazu.
On Sanfong Zhong Street, the students walked through the market filled with traditional Chinese stalls selling various ingredients and dried goods, such as fungi, shark fin, and many types of mushrooms. The students wrapped up the trip with a shopping spree at the candy stall—a sweet ending to a day filled with culture.
