This year, from July 3 – 8, the TKU Office of International Exchange and International Education (OIEIE) will hold the 2nd annual Cross-strait Cultural Camp. Five TKU teachers and 25 students will be allowed to take part in the camp for free. The Director of the OIEIE Dr. Pei Wha CHI LEE, explained that, as part of the camp, participating students will learn about Taiwanese society, culture, and well-known Taiwanese scenic spots. They will be taken to explore various well-known destinations around Tamsui, as well as the National Palace Museum, Yang Ming Mountain, and Sun Moon Lake. They will even attend a seminar on Taiwanese society and culture.

Fourth year student, Chang Ya-rou, who took part in last year’s cultural camp, commented that Mainland students at the camp came from all different provinces around China. “I still remember how some of my fellow Taiwanese classmates who participated in the camp at first had some preconceived ideas about Mainland Chinese students; but thanks to the camp, they gained a new perspective on things.”

Last year’s camp featured students and teachers from 9 TKU sister schools in China. Due to its overwhelming success, this year an extra three Mainland Chinese universities will take part in the week long camp. Competition to take part in the camp among students from participating universities has been fierce. “Each of the Mainland universities were apportioned five places at the camp, yet at some of the schools, up to 200 students registered to participate” Director Lee said.