Beyond Boundaries:

 A Day of Learning and Cultural Exchange with Concord Academy

It was a day that both Taiwanese and American students will remember for a long time – a day of new experiences, cultural exchange, and above all, friendship. 32 students and 4 teachers together with an associate head from Concord Academy (CA) in Massachusetts, United States visited Yangmei Senior High School last March 13 for a day of learning and exploration. What they found was more than just a new culture – they found new friends.

As the Concord Academy students and teachers disembarked from the bus at the school, they were greeted by YMHS student and teacher representatives holding up placards of welcome. The excitement was palpable as both groups exchanged introductions and smiles. A group photo in front of the school auditorium marked the beginning of a day filled with new adventures and discoveries.

CA and YMHS students and teachers then gathered at the Exhibition Center for the opening ceremony, where they listened to speeches of warm welcome and witnessed talented YMHS student and teacher representatives performed  traditional Taiwanese songs and dances. The air was electric with excitement and anticipation, and everyone felt the warmth and friendliness of the Taiwanese people.

electrifying the room

Our students and teachers showcase the beauty and grace of traditional Taiwanese dance for our Concord Academy visitors. 

TEA time!

Our principal and school head as well as the Concord Academy teachers share a moment of connection over a steaming cup of Taiwanese tea. 

Divided into two groups, the CA visitors explored the newly built school gym and the oval, where they had a chance to talk to their YMHS peers and learned about the equipment used in YMHS through a vigorous demonstration by selected PE teachers.

Afterwards, the visitors were treated to two classes. In one class, they learned about traditional Taiwanese cuisine, including 糖葫蘆 (candied haws) and 棉花糖 (cotton candy). In the other class, they were introduced to ICT and Arduino programming, giving them a glimpse of how Taiwanese students learn and innovate through technology.

A sumptuous Taiwanese lunch awaited the guests in the conference room, where they enjoyed typical Taiwanese dishes such as sautéed chicken with sesame oil and scrambled eggs with diced tomatoes. Other YMHS students eagerly took photos with their American counterparts, capturing the joy of friendship in every frame.

In the afternoon, the visitors were divided into three groups for more learning and exploration. One group learned about the approach to learning history in the United States of America, while another learned about visual arts, with a focus on film production techniques such as camera angles and shots. The third group learned about the introduction to university application in the US, getting an inside look into both Taiwanese and American education systems.

As the day drew to a close, YMHS student representatives initiated a friendly volleyball game to their CA counterparts, which was well attended by both sides. The CA students also had the opportunity to witness a Taekwondo demonstration, adding another cultural experience to their day.

The day ended back at the Exhibition Center, where speeches were given by both sides, and the Concord Academy students tried their best to speak in Mandarin. A slideshow of the day's events was also shown, capturing the many moments of laughter, learning, and friendship.

Finally, the group headed to the night market, where the principal treated the school teachers and US teachers to a feast in a local restaurant. Taiwanese students and their American friends roamed the chilly night market together, trying out traditional snacks and experiencing the hustle and bustle of Taiwanese nightlife. The rain that had threatened earlier had dissipated, making the evening even more enjoyable. 

It was a day that will be remembered by all who attended – a day of cultural exchange, new friendships, and the realization that despite differences in language, culture, and geography, we are all connected by the bonds of humanity.