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International Students Experience Taiwan's Tea Culture
To promote cultural exchange and help international students gain a deeper understanding of Taiwanese traditions, the Office of Global Affairs organized the "Songboling Tea Culture Experience" on July 21, 2026. Our international students visited Songboling in Nantou County, one of Taiwan's most renowned tea-producing regions, for a full day of immersive cultural learning.
The event began at a local tea house, where participants took part in a hands-on tea rolling workshop led by experienced tea artisans. Students learned about the traditional tea-making process, from fresh tea leaves to the finished product, while gaining an appreciation for the craftsmanship and dedication involved in producing Taiwanese tea.
In the afternoon, students visiting Songboling Tea Street. Through guided visits to local tea shops, they explored Taiwan's tea culture from multiple perspectives. Tea shop owners introduced different tea cultivars, explained tea processing techniques, and demonstrated traditional tea brewing and serving etiquette. Students also had the opportunity to taste a wide variety of teas, including oolong, red tea, flavored teas such as rose oolong, and refreshing golden buckwheat tea, allowing them to experience the diversity of Taiwanese tea flavors.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was a team-based cultural activity in which students were divided into small groups and visited different tea shops to complete interactive missions. This activity encouraged participants to communicate with local tea merchants, explore the unique characteristics of different teas, and deepen their understanding of how factors such as tea concentration and processing methods influence flavor. The interactive format also fostered collaboration and meaningful exchanges among students from different cultural backgrounds.
Based on the post-event survey, participants expressed a high level of satisfaction with the activity. Many appreciated the opportunity to move beyond classroom learning by experiencing Taiwanese tea culture firsthand through tea rolling, tea tasting, and direct interaction with local tea professionals. Students also valued learning about the diversity of tea varieties, tea tree cultivation, processing techniques, and traditional tea-serving customs. The combination of experiential learning and cultural exchange made the event both educational and enjoyable.
The Songboling Tea Culture Experience not only introduced international students to one of Taiwan's most distinctive cultural industries but also strengthened their connection to the local community. Through authentic cultural experiences and interaction with tea artisans and local businesses, participants developed a greater appreciation for Taiwan's tea heritage while building friendships and enhancing their understanding of Taiwanese society. The Office of Global Affairs will continue organizing similar cultural activities to support international students' cultural adaptation and enrich their study experience in Taiwan.
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