On the eve of the Lunar New Year, the Language Center of the International Office hosted a New Year event, bringing together international students and Chinese language learners from around the world to experience the rich traditions of the Chinese New Year. This event not only upheld the custom of "giving New Year’s greetings" but also incorporated modern teaching elements, making learning engaging and interactive through game-based activities.

The event was thoughtfully designed to blend tradition with innovation. Students could use symbolic "gold ingot chocolates" to participate in food-tasting and games prepared by different classes. Each class showcased a variety of international flavors: the beginner class presented Korean-style skewers and Japanese rice cakes, offering a taste of East Asian New Year cuisine; the intermediate class carefully prepared Korean tteokguk (rice cake soup), a dish with special significance during the Korean New Year; and the advanced class served Vietnamese spring rolls, highlighting the unique flavors of Southeast Asia. As students enjoyed these delicious dishes, they also deepened their understanding of different cultural celebrations around the world.

For each completed challenge, students received a sticker. Collecting five stickers allowed them to participate in a lucky draw, inspired by the Chinese tradition of drawing lots at temples during the New Year for blessings. All fortune sticks carried auspicious messages, symbolizing a fresh and prosperous start to the year. By interpreting their fortune sticks, students also received festive gifts. In addition to the fortune stick draw, a raffle was held, adding to the excitement and festive spirit. At the end of the event, three special awards were determined by vote, with prizes given to the winners, bringing the celebration to a joyful close.

This New Year event not only enriched the cultural experiences of international and Chinese language students but also fostered a warm and engaging learning atmosphere. Through carefully designed activities, the event aimed to bring the festive spirit of Taiwan’s New Year to students far from home, allowing them to learn in a joyful and immersive environment. The event successfully showcased the Language Center’s innovative approach to language education—not just teaching language skills but also enabling students to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture through hands-on experiences, making learning both fun and meaningful.

For more information about Chinese language courses, please visit the following links:

Language Center Official Website - News & Announcements

NCUE Language Center Chinese Program Facebook Page