When we speak to members of the Going Global community one of the biggest themes which comes up is how much they wish they could speak another language. According to our community, the most important languages to know are English, Spanish and Mandarin. For many people in the west however, Mandarin is a very difficult language to pick up. So universities in Taiwan have put together an innovative idea to help learn a language through travel.
The Mandarin Chinese-language centers of Taiwan’s universities are working together with the tourism industry to offer tours which combine local cultural adventures with language learning, so that visitors can enjoy a trip to Taiwan that’s more than just sightseeing.
Here are some examples:
Northern Taiwan
- Tamkang University now offers a culinary tour where participants shop for ingredients in a traditional market and participate in a cooking session, all guided by a professional language instructor. From exploring the real local living environment to enjoying popular snacks at night markets, visitors will sample the genuine tastes of New Taipei City’s famed Danshui District.
- Chung Yuan Christian University offers four quite different tours. One is for people who love visiting historical sites; one explores the aesthetics of modern and historical buildings; one introduces the culture of indigenous groups; and another features classic cultural activities, such as dragon-boat rowing.
Southern and Central Taiwan
- Feng Chia University combines language learning with themed cultural tours to local attractions such as the Feng Chia Night Market. Instructors begin by teaching basic phrases related to destinations on the itinerary, which visitors can then put to practical use in real-life settings throughout their tour of Taichung City.
- Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages pairs language learning with Taiwanese cuisine. Tranquil trips to Fo Guang Shan encompass Buddhist heritage, architectural landmarks, and vegetarian food, while Hakka-themed tours feature culinary workshops, Hakka cultural sites, and natural wetlands. And of course, there is a focus on Taiwan’s seafood.
It’s a great idea to learn a language through travel. It’s definitely more fun to pick up some language skills while taking a deeper dive into local culture than it is to listen to an audiobook on the subject.
Log onto https://ogme.edu.tw/and book a tour today!
