Fifteen undergraduate students from Parami University have returned from the homeland of bubble tea, Taiwan, with interesting experiences and insights about the country to share. The students spent two weeks in Taipei to participate in the Cultural Immersion Program, organized by Parami University in collaboration with Shih Chien University, the Rotary Club of Taipei, and Yale Day of Service (Taipei).
The two-week program allowed the students to study Taiwan's economy and culture through site visits, service learning, guest speaker sessions, networking, and, remarkably, witnessing the Gaemi Typhoon. For some students, it was their first time traveling abroad. They appreciated the opportunity to have this global exposure and considered the program to be memorable, inspiring, and eye-opening.
It was a wonderful learning experience for the students to hear from Taiwanese academics and industry professionals about various aspects of Taiwanese society. Program participant May Phuu Thwel felt inspired by the guest speaker sessions because of the chance to “learn about their experiences in community development not only for the Taiwanese community but also for the global community in terms of environmental protection and quality education."
In addition to hearing from the speakers, the students also visited different places, such as Taiwanese temples, memorial halls, old streets, and night markets, learning about Taiwanese religious beliefs, the history of indigenous people, and the cultures and interactions of Taiwanese people in their daily lives.
For another program participant Myint Myat, the most memorable part of the trip was the visit to NTU Law (College of Law, National Taiwan University), where he expanded his horizons in the complexities of history and politics. "I was fortunate enough to meet Professor Jiunn-Rong Yeh, who is also a former Minister of Education, former Minister of Research, Development, and Evaluation Commission, and former Minister of Interior, and exchange perspectives with his exceptional students on ONE CHINA Policy, a concept with divergent interpretations between Mainland China (People's Republic of China) and Taiwan (Republic of China).” It was a thought-provoking session that fueled his thoughts on politics in Burma as well as in Taiwan, and the Chinese influence over them.
Expanding Knowledge Horizons
During the trip, students gained new insights into Taiwanese culture and society. In their engagement with the local stakeholders, they found the people of Taiwan to be factual, respectful, and dedicated. "People in the country value punctuality, invest in health and well-being, and show mutual respect in a sense that they treat each other equally despite backgrounds and socioeconomic status," said Sai Sai Ohum Khay "The important lesson I can apply in my life is that every second is valuable."
The participants were also surprised to learn that Taiwan, like Myanmar, used to be an agricultural based society. They were inspired to learn how entrepreneurship in technology, such as the supply of semiconductors and advanced electronic devices to other countries, contributed to Taiwan's socioeconomic development. "I learned that the government's support and strong academia also play an essential role in national development,” May highlighted.
In the last few days of the program, powerful Typhoon Gaemi made landfall on the island country, disrupting some of the program schedule. Even this was a learning moment, allowing the students to witness the Taiwan government’s communication and response to the disaster.
Global Exposure and Perspectives
Global experience can be transformative in that it expands knowledge horizon, leaves a lasting impression on one’s perspectives, and brings about personal change. “Learning about other cultures,” remarked Sai Sai Ohum Khay, “helps us become more open-minded, think from different perspectives, and gain inspiration to apply back to our own community.”
Perhaps the most valuable impact of the program is helping students connect to their roots and gain new inspirations. Hearing from the guest speakers about how they have been contributing back to their communities with their creativity, knowledge, and capacities, May felt that the experience not only benefited her personal development but also motivated her to contribute back to her community's development. She said, “[the speakers] taught me to see the long term and trust the process.”
Special Notes from the Students
Taiwanese and Myanmar people share some similarities in their mindsets and empathy for being ready to help others. Most of the people I met in Taiwan are very kind, and they always help me by pointing out the right way every time I miss my destination. This behavior reminds me of the shared value of empathy between Taiwanese and Myanmar citizens since Myanmar people are usually ready to help others if someone needs their help.—Aye Thiri Phyo
Learning about other cultures helps us become more open-minded and think from different perspectives, and gain inspiration to apply back to our own community. —Sai Sai Ohum Khay
During the typhoon, the government's transparency on information fostered the sense of security, allowing us to enjoy the time in Taipei. This experience demonstrated the capability of the Taiwanese people to come together and face adversity with resilience and preparedness.—Myint Myat
This trip literally not only benefits my personal development but also motivates me to contribute back to my community development like how our individual guest speakers have been contributing back to their communities with their creativity, knowledge and capacities. They taught me to see the long-term and trust the process.—May
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