Soochow University Summer Program for Japanese High School Students Combining English Learning with Taiwanese Cultural Experiences

To strengthen international recruitment and youth exchange program, Soochow University’s Office of International Affairs and Department of English Language and Literature partnered with the KTRC Taiwan-Kagoshima Study Abroad Center for the first time to hold the 2026 Summer English Program for Japanese High School Students from July 29 to August 5. Seventeen students from Japan joined immersive English classes, cultural excursions, and a final presentation program to not only improve their English ability but also know more about Taiwan.

Led by instructors Kao Ai-Ying, Alan Alagata, and Wei Tung-An, the courses gradually progressed from full-English communication and pronunciation practice to picture-based storytelling and presentation skills to cultivate students’ English speaking ability. The instructors also took students to Dadaocheng as culture activities, where they visited temples, a traditional Chinese medicine shop, and an herbal tea shop while learning about local beliefs, customs, and neighborhood heritage.

On the final day, all 17 participants gave presentations in English, talking about their experiences in Taiwan, including night markets, local cuisine, the National Palace Museum, Dadaocheng, and their observations of cultural differences between Taiwan and Japan. Soochow University will continue expanding short-term programs, international recruitment, and youth exchange projects to deepen Taiwan-Japan educational and cultural ties.

Throughout the visit, students actively asked questions about academic programs, campus life, and preparations for studying in Taiwan. This activity not only deepened their understanding of Soochow University and Taiwan’s higher education environment but also provided a useful reference for their future study plans.