【Text, Photos: Office of International Affairs, Wang Yi-Fang; Edited by: Public Affairs Section】

【Translator：Han Siou-Yao】

【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】 

2025-08-11 — After ten immersive days of learning and discovery, National University of Kaohsiung’s (NUK) annual "Summer School" has drawn to a successful close. The program brought together students from partner universities in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand for a rich itinerary of expert lectures, interactive Chinese classes, cultural workshops, and SDG-themed excursions. Participants not only improved their language skills but also gained deeper insights into Taiwanese culture and sustainable actions in southern Taiwan.

The event, organized by the Office of International Affairs, was held from July 31 to August 9. Dr. Lin Xing-Ru, Dean of International Affairs, stated that the Summer School offers a unique blend of language instruction and dialogue on global issues, fostering cross-cultural understanding and a global perspective among young leaders. "The curriculum is designed to integrate sustainable development with entrepreneurial challenges, all while highlighting local culture," she said. "We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with these universities to expand opportunities for student mobility and exchange."

In addition to the opening ceremony, Lin Xing-Ru also presided over the closing ceremony, expressing care and best wishes to the participants, and personally presented certificates of completion to recognize their participation and learning achievements in these activities. The review video shown at the ceremony highlighted the event’s memorable moments. Participants expressed their gratitude to each other in Chinese and exchanged handwritten cards, symbolizing the genuine friendships formed through cross-cultural exchange.

During the event, the Office of International Affairs arranged for several NUK students to serve as mentor, accompanying Summer School participants throughout their adaptation to campus and daily life. The language courses adopted a gamified interactive approach, covering scenarios such as self-introduction, daily expressions, and ordering food, fostering a two-way exchange and a positive learning atmosphere.

Themed lectures featured NUK Vice President Wu Xing-Hao, Professor Mazanai Musara from the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) in South Africa, Dr. Laely Nurhidayah from the Legal Research Center of Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and Assistant Professor Dong Pei-Ru from Ming Chuan University's International College. They guided participants in a comparative analysis of policies and practices across different countries, inspiring them to consider these issues from multiple perspectives.

Cultural experience courses included a DIY herbal sachet activity, allowing participants to learn about Taiwanese herbs and their daily applications, and to build cross-national friendships through group collaboration.

Aligning with the program's sustainability theme, off-campus visits included the National Science and Technology Museum to explore energy transition and climate change; a trip to Meinong to experience oil-paper umbrella painting and lei cha (ground tea), understanding the value of traditional crafts in sustainable tourism; and a visit to Kenting National Park to learn about marine and terrestrial ecology, discussing the balance between tourism and environmental conservation.

#SDG4 #SDG10 #SDG17 @Office of International Affairs & Event