[NEWS] Bridging Cultures: American High Schoolers Experience Semiconductor Tech and Taiwanese Life in 2-Week Program

▲Students don cleanroom suits for a hands-on experience of semiconductor production line environments and operational standards.

With the support of the Education Division in San Francisco and subsidies from the Ministry of Education, Utah high school students visited Minghsin University of Science and Technology (MUST) for the fourth time to participate in a short-term Mandarin study program. This year’s group included 54 students, 14 parents, and 3 teachers—Mr. Aaron Andersen, Ms. Emily Fitzpatrick, and Ms. Kristy Tung—from Cedar Valley、Lone Peak、Orem、Skyridge、Westlake High Schools. From May 23 to June 5, 2026, they joined a two week program at MUST Chinese Language Teaching Center. The curriculum combined Mandarin learning with semiconductor industry knowledge, Chinese culinary culture, indigenous experiences, and diverse exchange activities, enabling participants to gain deeper insights into Taiwan’s strengths, multiculturalism, and humanistic charm.

The program began with a dance performance by Filipino students at MUST, symbolizing the vibrancy of international exchange. President Ming Feng Lu（呂明峯） delivered welcoming remarks, encouraging participants to immerse themselves in Taiwan’s cultural richness during the two week program. Ms. Kristy Tung, representing the Utah schools, shared her fond memories of Taiwan and expressed excitement about this year’s exchange. Director Jie Lin（林婕） of MUST Chinese Language Teaching Center highlighted the wisdom and magic of Mandarin, engaging students with interactive activities that showcased Taiwanese warmth and hospitality. The three Mandarin instructors— Ms. Zhou Han Hua（周韓華）, Ms. Lai Guan Ling (賴冠伶), and Ms. Xiao Yu Ling（蕭郁翎）—were introduced, officially launching the 2026 Utah High School Short-Term Mandarin Study Tour.

The program emphasized hands on professional learning. Students visited Taiwan’s largest semiconductor talent cultivation base at MUST, gaining insights into the nation’s world-class achievements in advanced industries. They donned cleanroom suits to experience chip fabrication and used mixed reality headsets to operate semiconductor facility systems, combining technology with education in an impressive way. In collaboration with MUST’s Department of Hospitality Management, students also learned to make pineapple cakes and scallion pancakes, experiencing the essence of Taiwanese culinary culture.

To strengthen friendships, the program arranged face to face activities with students from Kaohsiung’s Nanzih High School(高雄楠梓高中), who had previously maintained a long-term penpal program with Utah students. MUST’s foreign language majors designed bilingual campus tours and interactive games, while student clubs hosted the “Global Café,” creating an international social environment for meaningful interaction. Teaching assistants, volunteers, and peer partners supported the program, encouraging both Taiwanese and international students to participate and gain valuable cross cultural work experience.

Beyond the classroom, participants explored Taiwan’s cultural and lifestyle highlights. They visited landmarks such as Chiang Kai shek Memorial Hall（中正紀念堂）, Taipei 101（台北101）, Din Tai Fung（鼎泰豐）, Sanxia Old Street（三峽老街）, Yingge（鶯歌）, and Hsinchu City God Temple（新竹城隍廟）. On campus, they participated in indigenous cultural activities, fun runs, bowling, volleyball, basketball, and even a lively water balloon battle. Off campus, they visited Zhunan Holiday Forest Beach（竹南假日之森海灘）and enjoyed karaoke, gaining a vivid experience of Taiwan’s campus life and leisure culture.

The Mandarin curriculum focused on practical daily use, covering topics such as shopping, ordering food, and transportation. Cultural themes included temples, night markets, karaoke, and the Dragon Boat Festival, enabling students to apply classroom learning in real-life situations. Through this integration of lessons and activities, participants improved their Mandarin proficiency while experiencing authentic communication with Taiwanese people.

The closing ceremony began with a dance performance by Burmese students, symbolizing cultural diversity. Vice Director Jin An Wang （王進安）of the Office of International Affairs, Director Jie Lin of MUST Chinese Language Teaching Center, and U.S. representative Mr. Aaron Andersen delivered speeches, reflecting on the significance of the program and affirming the achievements of the two week program. Certificates of completion were awarded, and the three classes presented their learning outcomes on stage. Student representatives shared heartfelt reflections on their experiences. Finally, program convener Ms. Wu Wen Hsuan (吳玟萱) delivered concluding remarks, bringing the study tour to a perfect close.

Over the course of two weeks, the Utah High School Short-Term Mandarin Study Tour combined professional courses, cultural experiences, and interactive exchanges. The program enabled American students not only to learn Mandarin but also to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s diverse culture and industrial strengths. This initiative represents more than language education—it is a vital opportunity for cross cultural exchange, showcasing MUST’s commitment and achievements in international education.
 

▲MUST welcomes Utah high school students to the 2026 Short-Term Mandarin Study Tour during the opening ceremony.

▲Students engage in hands-on cultural activities, deepening their appreciation for Taiwan’s diverse traditions and arts.
 

▲Utah students visit MUST’s semiconductor talent cultivation base to explore Taiwan’s world-class achievements in advanced industries.

▲In collaboration with the Department of Hospitality Management, students learn to make traditional Taiwanese pineapple cakes and scallion pancakes.
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▲Utah students participate in the MUST campus fun run, embracing Taiwan’s vibrant campus leisure culture alongside local students.

▲Students experience the vibrant campus life and leisure culture in Taiwan.