On July 2, 2025, members of the Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA) from the San Diego, Washington D.C. and Boston chapters participated in a special in-person cultural exchange with students from Taipei Municipal Song Shan High School of Commerce and Home Economics (SSVS). While FASCA chapters have previously connected with their peers in Taiwan through virtual exchanges, this rare face-to-face opportunity allowed students to build deeper, more personal cross-cultural connections.
The event was graciously hosted by SSVS and organized under the leadership of Ms. Venus Hsu, Director of the Applied English Department. Students of SSVS prepared a variety of engaging ice-breakers and group activities, thoughtfully pairing 4–5 Taiwanese students with 1–2 FASCA members to promote meaningful interaction. Their enthusiasm and hospitality created a lively and welcoming atmosphere, which culminated in a casual gathering over pizza and fried chicken.
The San Diego delegation brought California-themed gifts, including In-N-Out Burger hats, See’s Candies lollipops, and custom-designed FASCA SD pins and stickers. Student ambassador Jason Poliak led the San Diego team, coordinating preparations and group engagement, with support from San Diego Consulting Mentor Peggy Han and Boston Consulting Mentor Tzongshi Lu. The San Diego chapter was represented by ten members, while Naomi Wu and Benjamin Lu represented the Boston chapter. Matthew Lin attended on behalf of the Washington D.C. chapter.
In a light-hearted moment, Boston Consulting Mentor Tzongshi Lu remarked, “We expected them to be energetic—but next time we may need to rent the Taipei Dome, just in case the story house’s glass gets shattered.”
After months of online communication, this in-person meeting proved to be a truly meaningful and memorable experience. The FASCA participants are deeply grateful for the warmth and thoughtfulness extended by Ms. Hsu and the students of Songshan High School and look forward to continued collaboration and future reunions.
Reported by: Hsueh-Heng Lu, Calvin Chen and FASCA-SD Members
About FASCA-SD
The Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors – San Diego empowers Taiwanese American youth to develop leadership skills, promote cultural exchange, and serve their local communities through education and outreach initiatives.
Learn more and follow us:
●Website: https://www.fascasandiego.com/
●Instagram:@fasca_sandiego
●Facebook: fasca.sandiego
