A successful online exchange event between Taipei Songshan High School and U.S. students from Washington, DC, San Diego, and Boston was held last Saturday. Organized by teachers from the Washington DC Taiwanese School and FASCA's three chapters—Washington, DC, San Diego, and Boston—the event featured over 100 participants discussing high school life in Taiwan and the United States. Through lively discussions and cultural sharing, students built friendships and deepened their understanding of different cultures.
The event began with an icebreaker game, "Brawl Stars," to foster a friendly atmosphere. Participants then shared their experiences in school, including academic courses, extracurricular activities, and daily routines. Taiwanese students introduced popular snacks like Guai Guan pork buns, 77 chocolates, and Kuang Chuan milk, which fascinated their U.S. counterparts. They also discussed the intensity of their education system, which often includes long hours of study and multiple academic courses. One group even delved into a discussion about calculus courses, sparking further intellectual engagement between the two sides.
U.S. students shared their experiences with the American curriculum, which typically involves a more flexible schedule and a wider range of elective courses. They also discussed the importance of extracurricular activities and community involvement in American high schools.
The exchange highlighted the value of international youth connections. All parties plan to continue organizing similar events to provide students with more opportunities to expand their global perspectives.