Fifteen teachers and students of our Sister University Winona State University visited Tamkang last Monday (May 12) to have a two-week journey of learning and communication. Beside taking classes with the students of the Junior Abroad Program of the Department of International Trade, they also visited Taiwanese industry, government institutes and famous scenic spots. One of the students, David expressed that “this is our first year to take the course of ‘Journey and Studies in Taiwan,’ and Tamkang offers plenty of places for us to experience the culture, and it really opens my horizons.” He hopes to visit Taiwan again to learn more about the cultures of Taiwan and Asia.

WSU has contracted with TKU as our Sister University in 1996, and there are frequent communications between the two schools. Presently, there are eleven exchange students of WSU studying at Tamkang, and thirty-one TKU students studying at WSU. The WSU visiting program and related activities are held by the Office of International Exchanges and International Education and the Department of International Trade. The courses include “Calligraphy” taught by deputy director of the Carrie Chang Fine Arts Center, Chang Ben-hang, and English courses with the students of the Department of International Trade, such as “English Conversation” by Dr. Chen Hwei-mei, Director of the Office of International Exchanges and International Education, “Business Psychoanalysis” by Dr. Lin Ming-ru, assistant professor of the Department of International Trade. WSU student, David indicates that he is most interested in the course of Calligraphy because it is the first experience that he has never had. He’d like to spend more time understanding the history of Chinese characters and its culture. Shiu Feng, a senior of Department of International Trade, expresses that he hope they will have a unforgettable and fruitful experience during this tirp.

After the class, students of Department of International Trade accompany the guests to visit the campus. WSU students think the Gymnasium and the library is magnificent, and the architecture of the Maritime Museum is very special. Moreover, they are really impressed by Chueh-hsuan Chinese Garden, and say: “it is very beautiful and makes us feel comfortable.” David says: “From the Chueh-hsuan Chinese Garden to the University Commons, I can feel the age-old history and the passion of Tamkang University.” He also indicates that, “The history of Tamkang University has successfully motivate my interest in studying here, and I will tell my friends about the information of Tamkang and encourage them to study here.”

In the morning of May 15, sophomore students of the Department of International Trade elaborately held a welcome party for the guests, and in addition to joining in the different kinds of activities, the guests can taste various Taiwanese delicacies. Sophomore student of the Department of International Trade, Ji-ru Wu expresses excitedly, “I am pleased to have the opportunity to greet them.” Shui Feng says, “The guests from WSU are very friendly, and they are greatly interested in the political issues in Taiwan and Taiwanese impression on Americans.”

The touring itinerary includes the visit of the famous scene spots like Fort Santo Domingo in Tamsui, Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology, National Palace Museum, Taipei 101, and Peitou Hot spring. They will also visit industry and the government institutes like Office of the President Republic of China, Executive Yuan, Taiwan Post, HSBC, Taishin International Bank, JP Morgan Investment Funds, and Capital Group. The WSU guests will plan to go back to the States at May 26. ( ~Karen Chang )

Figure: Teachers and students of the Sister University of WSU visited Tamkang. Sophomore students of Dept. of International Trade held a welcome party for the guests, with dances and various local delicacies.