On December 20, 2023, Soochow University hosted a cross-cultural Christmas event, bringing together exchange students from around the world, including Germany, Japan, South Korea, France, Mexico, Hungary, and Mainland China. This event not only highlighted the charm of diverse cultures but also showcased the power of friendship and collaboration.
In the festively decorated campus of Soochow University, exchange students engaged in a series of games. In teams, they overcame language barriers and collaborated to complete tasks, selecting desired gifts along the way. With task cards, they explored various corners of the campus, leaving behind amusing snapshots of their unique journey. Following this, the atmosphere became lively with the exciting "Jump TEMPO" game. Through these light-hearted activities, participants examined their knowledge of Soochow University and Taiwan. Some felt confident when they knew the answers, while others were pleasantly surprised when their assumptions contradicted the actual facts. Regardless, this gaming experience deepened the understanding of Taiwan for all exchange students.
The highlight of the event was the gift exchange, combining Eastern tradition with the custom of "red envelope giving". Each person received a personalized red envelope, with a designated number inside. Allowing students to share gifts and blessings all rooted to Chinese culture in some way.
As the event concluded, a variety of delicious dishes were offered for exchange students to enjoy while chatting. In addition to preparing sumptuous Taiwanese food such as Taiwanese fried chicken and hand-shaken drink, the event embraced the upcoming winter solstice by serving tangyuan with red bean soup or peanut soup. Beyond providing a delightful culinary experience, this feast enriched cultural knowledge and facilitated the exchange of flavors from each participant's home country, fostering a closer bond among everyone.
Exchange students expressed their satisfaction, with one stating, "The event was fantastic! The experience of exchanging gifts was delightful and precious." Others complimented that Taiwanese fried chicken was very delicious, showcasing their love for the diverse flavors. Some even expressed a desire for more volunteers to join in the fun in future events.
The entire event was filled with laughter, warmth, and friendship, allowing every participant to feel the beauty of transcending cultural boundaries. It is believed that this Christmas event has already become a cherished part of everyone's memories, inspiring them to actively engage in future international exchange activities.
