The 2024 Compatriot Youth Taiwan Technical and Vocational Education Experience Program Guiding Indonesian Youths to Experience Taiwan's Rich and Diverse Culture
The "2024 Overseas Compatriot Youth Taiwan Technical and Vocational Education Experience Program" from December 14 to December 27. The 53 participants from Indonesia took part in a rich itinerary and in-depth visits to learn about and experience Taiwan's diverse culture. The participants expressed that the event was fulfilling and wonderful, leaving them with lasting memories of Taiwan's higher vocational education, top-tier enterprises, unique culture, ecological environment, night market culture, and more. They expressed hope to revisit Taiwan or come to study at Taiwanese universities.
During the 14-day program, participants visited five unique technical universities: National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Shu-Te University of Science and Technology, Fooyin University of Science and Technology, Ming Hsin University of Science and Technology, and China University of Technology. Through university presentations, they learned about the OCAC's "Industry-Academia Collaboration OYVTP Bachelor Degree " and gained insights into studying in Taiwan from the experiences shared by Indonesian overseas students at each university. The visits also included hands-on courses, where participants had the opportunity to understand the essence of vocational education and Taiwan's strengths and international competitiveness in this field. They gained an in-depth understanding of Taiwan's diverse culture and industrial development potential, which planted the seeds for future opportunities to study in Taiwan.
In addition to the university visits, the participants toured renowned Taiwanese companies. They visited Aerospace Industrial Development Co., the leading aerospace manufacturer in Taiwan, and the Taiwan Cycling Culture Museum, where they learned about the world-renowned bicycle manufacturer Giant Group. Through the visits and facility experiences, the participants gained insight into Taiwan's superb craftsmanship in the defense and machinery industries and its spirit of craftsmanship.
Throughout the two-week program, the Indonesian youth traveled across Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Yilan. They visited notable landmarks such as the Pier-2 Art District, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, Syntrend, Taijian National Park Administration Center, Shoushan Zoo, National Comics Museum, Hinoki Village, Luodong Forestry Culture Park, National Center for Traditional Arts, the National Palace Museum, Taipei 101, and Ximending, among others. These visits allowed them to experience Taiwan's innovative culture, the revitalization of historical buildings, the beauty of traditional arts, and the trendy and creative spirit of youth culture.
Of course, no visit to Taiwan would be complete without experiencing the famous "night markets." The participants excitedly shared that they could only learn about Taiwan's unique night market culture online in Indonesia. This time, they were able to savor a variety of night market delicacies and expressed their joy and satisfaction.
The 14-day program concluded with a warm and heartfelt closing ceremony and farewell party. The participants expressed reluctance to leave and encouraged each other, looking forward to returning to Taiwan for more exciting and meaningful youth exchange programs and study in Taiwan.
