The Taitung County 2024 International Education Achievement Exhibition launched on November 12, under the theme “Rooted in Taitung, Embracing the World.” The event showcased the achievements of various schools in promoting international and English education, offering students opportunities for multicultural learning and experiences. Magistrate April Yao expressed her hope that the exhibition would highlight Taitung’s efforts and accomplishments in advancing international education. She also emphasized the aspiration for Taitung students to develop a global perspective and shine on the international stage in the future.
The event was co-hosted by Fushan Elementary School and Meihe Elementary School, with support from numerous schools and partner organizations. The opening ceremony featured a special performance by Zhiben Elementary School, nationally recognized for its award-winning dance team. Their Indigenous dance presentation, rich in local cultural significance, set the tone for the event, highlighting Taitung’s unique multicultural charm and diversity.
Magistrate April Yao highlighted that Taitung, while encompassing one-tenth of Taiwan’s land area, is home to only one percent of its population. The county is a melting pot of cultures, featuring seven Indigenous ethnic groups alongside Hoklo, Hakka, and new immigrant communities. This rich cultural diversity serves as a foundation for Taitung’s international education initiatives. By integrating these cultural elements into global contexts, the county aims to showcase its unique identity to the world, aligning perfectly with the event’s theme: Rooted in Taitung, Embracing the World.
The exhibition showcased a wide array of programs, reflecting the creativity and achievements of Taitung’s schools in international education. For instance: Fushan Elementary School collaborated with its sister school, Berkeley School in the Philippines, engaging in online exchanges that included joint picture book readings and introductions to Taiwanese cuisine. Yeyou Elementary School shared their experiences participating in the 2024 Pacific Arts Festival held in Hawaii. Green Island Junior High School demonstrated the impact of bilingual education through student-led bilingual tours of local attractions, showcasing their language proficiency and cultural pride.
The event featured both static display zones and interactive experience areas, providing an engaging platform for showcasing and experiencing international education achievements. The Static Display Zone highlighted the international exchange programs and curriculum development from various schools, offering insights into their collaborative efforts and cultural integration. Meanwhile, the Interactive Experience Area presented multicultural booths where students could sample exotic dishes such as Vietnamese spring rolls and Thai milk tea, providing a hands-on cultural immersion. Additionally, the Taitung County English Action Bus set up an AR/VR teaching scenario experience area, blending technology with language learning to create immersive and engaging educational activities. Foreign English teachers were also invited to interact with students, making language acquisition both dynamic and fun.
The success of the International Education Achievement Exhibition underscores Taitung’s dedicated efforts in promoting international education. The Taitung County Government reaffirmed its commitment to advancing international education by creating more opportunities for students to engage with the world. By equipping Taitung’s youth with the tools to thrive in an increasingly globalized era, the initiative aims to enhance their competitiveness and enable them to shine on the international stage.
