【Text and Photos: Su Rui-min, Language Center】

【Translated with the assistance of Google Gemini】

2026-02-21 To deepen international students' understanding of Taiwan's natural environment and diverse culture, the Language Center of the National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) recently organized a "Maolin Ecological Field Trip" during the migration season of the Purple Crow butterflies, leading international students from various countries into the Maolin National Scenic Area. Through ecological investigation, tribal tours, and cultural experiences, the activity guided students to recognize Taiwan's mountain landscapes and local culture through practical exploration, concluding successfully.

During the itinerary, students walked along the butterfly-watching trails and visited the Maolin Purple Crow Butterfly Ecological Park to appreciate the world-class ecological spectacle of clustered overwintering butterflies up close, showcasing Taiwan's significant position in the global ecosystem. The swarms of butterflies fluttering across the sky left deep and unforgettable learning memories for the international students. Under the guidance of professional explanations, students not only learned about the ecological characteristics and habitat conservation concepts of the Purple Crow butterfly but also further reflected on the relationship between human activities and coexistence with nature.

Walking through the valleys, students personally felt the ecological scale of Maolin's primeval forests and explored the "Little Great Wall" trail, characterized by its unique landscape, at the Longtou Mountain Recreation Area. Through the walking experience, they understood the interaction between natural terrain and man-made facilities, ensuring that ecological learning was not limited to observation but became an experience of physical participation.

In addition to natural ecological guidance, the field study instructors led students deep into the Dona Tribe for cultural explanations, introducing the context of tribal life and cultural background. The trip also arranged a handmade Aiyu (jelly) experience, allowing students to learn about Taiwan's local food culture and life wisdom through hands-on practice, further deepening their understanding of Taiwan's multiculturalism.

The Language Center stated that this activity combined language learning, ecological education, and cultural experience, allowing international students to step out of the classroom to use language and understand culture in a real-world setting, gradually building their knowledge of Taiwan's land and society. In the future, the center will continue to plan diverse field study activities to create a learning environment with greater depth and international perspective.