繼去年夏天成功搭起合作橋梁後，國立中興大學今夏再度迎來熟悉的青春面孔。來自美國德州國際領袖教育學校（International Leadership of Texas, ILTEXAS）的32位學生，在6位師長陪同下於7月抵台，展開為期三週的華語與文化沉浸課程，延續並深化兩校之間的國際教育交流。
 
本次活動由中興大學創新產業暨國際學院策劃主辦，並由華語中心承擔教學執行，計畫同時獲得教育部補助。課程以系統性與生活化兼具的教學設計為核心，全面提升學員聽、說、讀、寫的華語實力。華語中心專業師資團隊透過高度互動的教學策略，讓學習不再僅是知識輸入，而是在真實語境中反覆練習，從而奠定穩固的語言基礎。
 
除了語言課程，營隊亦安排一系列動靜兼具的文化體驗活動，邀請學員透過身體力行，感受台灣文化的多樣與深度。今年延續去年廣受好評的武術課程，學員們在一招一式中領會中華文化的力與美；同時亦加入全新課程——「橡皮章雕刻」工作坊，引導學生以刻刀創作專屬印章，體驗台灣當代文創的細膩與創意。從汗水淋漓的武術訓練，到專注沉靜的手作時光，每堂課都為他們打開認識台灣的新視角。
 
對這群遠道而來的美國學生而言，這段為期21天的學習旅程，不僅大幅提升語言能力，更是一場深刻的文化洗禮。多位學生在結業式上分享，在中興大學的日子，從課堂上的激盪思維到與在地師生的熱情互動，都將成為青春記憶中彌足珍貴的一頁。
 
這場跨越太平洋的夏日之約，不僅種下他們心中對台灣的深厚情感，也為兩校未來的交流合作奠定更堅實的基礎。


A Summer Reunion Across the Pacific: ILTEXAS Students Return to NCHU for Mandarin and Cultural Immersion

Following the successful partnership established last summer, National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) once again welcomed familiar young faces from the International Leadership of Texas (ILTEXAS) this July. A group of 32 students, accompanied by 6 chaperones, embarked on a three-week Mandarin and cultural immersion program, further strengthening the ties of international education between the two institutions.

The program was organized by NCHU’s College of Innovation and Industry Liaison, with the Chinese Language Center responsible for curriculum delivery, and was supported by the Ministry of Education. Designed with a balance of systematic instruction and practical, real-life contexts, the courses aimed to enhance students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Mandarin. Under the guidance of professional instructors, students engaged in highly interactive lessons that emphasized practice in authentic communicative settings, helping them build a solid foundation in the language.

In addition to language classes, the program offered a diverse range of cultural workshops that allowed students to experience Taiwan through hands-on participation. Continuing the martial arts course that received enthusiastic feedback last year, students once again discovered the strength and grace of Chinese culture through each movement and stance. A new addition this year was a stamp-carving workshop, where students created their own personalized rubber stamps, gaining insight into the creativity and craftsmanship of contemporary Taiwanese cultural design. From the vigorous practice of martial arts to the focused artistry of stamp carving, each activity opened a fresh perspective on Taiwan’s cultural richness.

For these American students, the 21-day journey was not only an intensive language-learning experience but also a profound cultural encounter. At the closing ceremony, many shared that their time at NCHU—marked by stimulating classroom interactions and the warm exchanges with local teachers and peers—would remain a treasured memory in their youth.

This summer reunion across the Pacific not only deepened their affection for Taiwan but also laid a stronger foundation for continued cooperation and exchange between the two institutions in the years to come.