Chang Jung Christian University’s (CJCU) Office of Global Engagement hosted the 2024 German GlobEEs (Global Educational Experiences) for partner schools BBS 1 and BBS 2 des LandKreises Gifhorn, which concluded on October 6, 2024 with great success. Over the course of eleven days, three faculty members and eight students from Germany immersed themselves in Taiwanese culture and life while forming strong bonds with CJCU students and staff.
After a long and arduous journey, the German delegates arrived in Tainan City on September 26 at noon, where they were warmly welcomed by CJCU President Lee, who remarked, “The GlobEEs program is about much more than academics. It is about connecting people from different parts of the world, discovering new perspectives, and appreciating the diversity that makes each culture unique. I look forward to seeing the friendships, ideas, and cultural bridges that will be built during our time together.”
Over the next few days, the German students attended interactive classes both indoors and outdoors, learning sustainable practices at Roots & Shoots Eco-Center as well as basic Mandarin at the Chinese Language & Cultural Center (CLCC), and visited Barclay Memorial Park, Bamboo Garden, Guieren Cultural Center and more, deepening their understanding of local culture and history.
Program Highlights
Nature Walks and DIY Handcrafts:
- Orienteering Activity at Barclay Memorial Park.
- Painting traditional fans at CLCC.
- Crafting bamboo butterfly bookmarks and practicing calligraphy at Guieren Cultural Center.
Cultural Tours:
The participants experienced the charm and ancient history of Tainan and Taipei’s cultural and architectural beauty.
Typhoon Dorm Life:
German students bonded with CJCU volunteers through dormitory activities like karaoke, board games, and hotpot, creating unforgettable memories during the unique “typhoon break”.
Taiwan-Germany Cultural Night and Farewell Party:
The students gave group presentations about their experiences in Taiwan, invited everyone to sing a famous German song together, and learned a dance close to the hearts of Taiwanese people. The night was filled with laughter, warm hearty meals and cultural exchanges.
On October 6, the German group bid a fond farewell to Taiwan. Former BBS I Principal Stefan Schäfer expressed his deepest gratitude to CJCU for their warm hospitality and looks forward to reuniting in Germany next year for the 2025 GlobEEs program, continuing this international exchange tradition.
