As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, Office of International Affairs organized the “2026 Spring Semester Farewell Party for International Students - Dragon Boat Festival Cultural Exchange & Career Development Seminar” on June 9. The event brought together international degree students, exchange students, students from the International Foundation Program, and international student buddies to participate in a variety of cultural activities, culinary experiences, and career-sharing sessions. Through these activities, the University aimed to foster a welcoming and internationally friendly campus environment while strengthening intercultural understanding and student engagement. Students from various countries participated enthusiastically, creating a warm and vibrant atmosphere throughout the event. The event began with opening remarks delivered by Dean for International Affairs, Professor Jung-Chung Hsu, followed by the presentation of Certificates of Exchange Student and Certificates of High-level Mandarin Courses. During the ceremony, Professor Hsu expressed his appreciation for the exchange students’ contributions and active participation during their studies at University of Taipei, while also extending his best wishes for their future academic and personal endeavors. Many exchange students shared that their experience at UTaipei had enabled them to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwanese culture, build friendships with peers from around the world, and create unforgettable memories. As part of the cultural exchange program, Mr. Chih-Hao Chen introduced the origins and traditions of Taiwan’s Dragon Boat Festival, helping participants better understand the cultural significance of this important holiday. This was followed by a presentation on Vietnamese rice dumpling traditions by three Vietnamese students from the Master’s Program in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language: Nguyen Thi Yen, Tran Thi Thuy, and Nguyen Van Huy. They introduced the historical background and cultural significance of Vietnam’s traditional square rice cake, Bánh Chưng, and cylindrical rice cake, Bánh Tét, offering participants valuable insights into Vietnamese festival customs. Traditional Vietnamese rice dumplings were also prepared for participants to taste, allowing everyone to experience Vietnamese culture through food. One of the most popular activities of the day was the Vietnamese Spring Roll DIY Experience. The Vietnamese students demonstrated how to make authentic Vietnamese spring rolls and guided participants through the preparation process. Students learned, interacted, and collaborated while creating their own spring rolls, filling the venue with laughter and lively conversation. Many participants added their own creative touches to the rolls, making the activity both educational and enjoyable. Through the shared culinary experience, students from different cultural backgrounds were able to connect with one another in a meaningful and memorable way. The event also incorporated the Ministry of Education’s “Program of Career Counseling and Retention in Taiwan for International Students.” Ms. Evelyn Peng from Cake Talent Platform (formerly CakeResume) was invited to share her experiences. As an Indonesian professional who has lived and developed her career in Taiwan for nine years, Ms. Peng shared her personal journey of studying, interning, and working in Taiwan. She also introduced Taiwan’s workplace culture and job-search resources, providing practical guidance and inspiration for international students considering future career opportunities in Taiwan. Professor Jung-Chung Hsu remarked that internationalization is not only about creating an international campus environment, but also about providing opportunities for cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and meaningful interaction. Through events such as this Dragon Boat Festival Cultural Exchange, University of Taipei hopes to help international students feel supported and welcomed while fostering connections among students from diverse backgrounds. Looking ahead, the University will continue to promote international exchange programs and student support initiatives, striving to build a more inclusive, diverse, and globally engaged campus where international students can thrive academically, socially, and professionally.

Implemented by Office Of International Affairs
Date: 2026/06/09