In order to increase the interaction between foreign students, exchange students and local students, Office of International Exchanges and International Education held a tour to Yingge Ceramic Museum on Oct. 31. Ninety-five international students joined the trip to experience the art of Taiwanese ceramics.

The group visited Yingge Ceramics Museum in the morning, and then a surprising birthday celebration party was held at noon. Participants sang birthday song for those whose birth dates were coming or just passed recently. The scene of birthday persons cutting the cake and making a wish was very warm and touching. In the afternoon, the professional ceramics teachers instructed students to make ceramic works by themselves. Everyone focused on molding ceramic containers out of handful of clay. The ceramic craft was actually quite difficult though it seemed simple. During the throwing process, many students penetrated the bottom of the cup or flatten the bowl and plate for it is hard to control hand strength, which sometimes made ceramics teachers felt nervous for them. Nadege Manissier, a first-year master student of Graduate Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies, said happily that, “It is very comfortable to touch the clay. In addition, making a ceramic work really gave me a sense of achievement.”

The tour ended perfectly after the group visited Yingge Old Street. Hu I-yang, a freshman of Dept. of Business Administration, said, “I really had a great time. The tour is not only free, but also well scheduled, which let me feel the great care from TKU. I’m looking forward to joining next trip.” ( ~Shu-chun Yen )