If you are reading this, you may be considering a trip with American Councils. I am currently on the Tradition and Modernity in Taiwan trip, and I am having the time of my life. Below are some of the excursions into the culture that we have taken so far. They might help give you an idea of what this course is like, and the opportunities you may have while visiting.
(image: Wulai Aboriginal Village, 烏來)[/caption]
We visited the Wulai aboriginal community on our first full-day of the program. It was a great time! We learned how to use their traditional bows (made of bamboo) and arrows (without fletching) to shoot. We had a competition amongst ourselves. I took second place and was given a handmade bracelet from the community. We then visited an exhibit for their traditional weaving and were shown how to weave our own little bookmarks. I think I will bring mine home as a gift. Others are keeping theirs. Either way, it was a very sweet souvenir. We had such a good time that some students talked about coming back during their free time.
(image: view from Maokong, 貓孔)[/caption]
We took an optional excursion up to Maokong. It was our chance to ride the gondola, and see Taipei from above. It was an absolutely beautiful view of the mountains, worth every penny. When we arrived at the top, everyone was given free rein to explore. I went with some other students to a cafe hidden in the brush where we took lots of pictures and had some snacks. After that, we found a tea house on a cliff hanging for dinner. We were treated to a traditional tea ceremony and dinner overlooking the entire city at night. It was an absolutely stunning view--one that I won’t ever forget. If you decide to do the program, you should take full advantage of the optional excursions!
(image: interior of the Ama Museum, 阿嬤家-和平與女性人權館)[/caption]
For our “History and Politics” class, we took a trip to visit the Datong district in Taipei. This was a historical merchant district, where chain stores are not allowed. All shops are owned by local families and run as small businesses. We visited a plethora of these little shops, learning about what life was like in both colonial-era Taiwan and following the introduction of the ROC government. We finished this tour at the Ama Museum, which depicts the struggles of comfort women in WWII. This visit left a powerful impression on the students, and many of us stopped to write notes of support or donate to the museum. Above is a picture of one of their exhibits--where every copper tube is a comfort woman that has spoken out; and every clear tube is a comfort woman that never came forward.
Program: Tradition and Modernity in Taiwan
Term: Summer 2019