A Virtual Exchange Between corner canyon high school (cchs) and yang mei Senior High school (ymhs)

In the heart of Taiwan, just hours before the Moon Festival, students from Corner Canyon High School (CCHS) in Utah, USA, gathered in a virtual meeting room, along with their Mandarin Chinese teacher, Patty Chung. On the other side of the globe, Yang Mei Senior High School (YMHS) students from Class 202 and 102 in the Bilingual Program, along with their teachers, eagerly joined the call on September 28 at 10-11 PM. The objective? A cultural exchange on the age-old tradition of sky lanterns, shedding light on Taiwan's rich heritage and customs.

The presenters for this virtual rendezvous included Gary, Eden, Diego, Edward, Boyd, and Justin. They answered several questions concerning the history and significance of sky lanterns in Taiwan. Questions such as when and where these lanterns originated, how they are made, and why they are used in celebrations were thoughtfully addressed. The presentation delved into the symbolism of sky lanterns in Taiwanese culture and also explored environmental and safety concerns associated with their use. Moreover, the presentation shed light on government and community regulations in Taiwan regarding the use of sky lanterns.

One interesting aspect of the virtual exchange was the Mandarin Chinese vocabulary that came to the American students' minds when they heard the term "sky lantern 天燈," which included words related to the Moon Festival, fire, beauty, stars, and the sun. When asked to write a wish on a sky lantern, they expressed hopes for love, money, happiness, and friendship, reflecting universal desires that transcend cultural boundaries.

The virtual class witnessed an engaging exchange of languages and ideas, with CCHS students speaking in Mandarin Chinese and YMHS students responding confidently in English. A few technical glitches made the experience all the more memorable, as participants learned to adapt and overcome challenges together.

What makes this virtual exchange truly remarkable is the partnership between Corner Canyon High School in the USA and Yang Mei Senior High School in Taoyuan City, Taiwan. Through these virtual classes, students from both countries are exposed to diverse cultures, which fosters intercultural awareness and strengthens international relationships. It's a testament to the power of technology in connecting students from across the world and broadening their horizons.

As the virtual exchange program continues, the upcoming presentation from Corner Canyon High School on cheerleading culture in the US promises to be another enlightening experience. These exchanges provide a platform for American and Taiwanese students to deepen their understanding of each other's cultures, creating lasting connections that transcend geographical boundaries and celebrate the beauty of diversity.