Dayuan Elementary School from Puyan Township, Changhua County, recently completed a five-day international exchange trip to Kugahara Elementary School in Chiba, Japan. The participating students, many of whom were traveling abroad for the first time, cherished this cross-cultural experience and reflected on their journey during a sharing session.

Kugahara Elementary warmly welcomed the Taiwanese students, creating a friendly atmosphere right from their arrival. The students experienced Japanese school culture by changing into indoor shoes and enjoying a nutritious school lunch, which highlighted the importance of cleanliness and etiquette.

During the exchange, Dayuan students prepared self-introductions in Japanese and showcased their talents through dance performances. In return, Japanese students presented traditional festival dances, facilitating mutual cultural understanding.

The afternoon's activities centered on sustainability, with Kugahara students sharing their school's practices in plastic reduction and recycling. The two groups discussed the concept of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) while enjoying calligraphy and traditional spinning top games together, strengthening their bond through laughter and active participation.

As the exchange concluded, students exchanged souvenirs and contact information with hopes of maintaining online interactions for future friendship. Beyond school activities, the group also visited Chiba Tower, a science museum, and Narita-san Shinsho-ji Temple, broadening their learning experiences.

Principal Liu Wei-lun expressed gratitude for the support received from various foundations and parents. He noted that such face-to-face cultural exchanges not only teach language but also foster empathy and diverse perspectives among children, embodying the spirit of international education.