Twelve Taiwanese students came off the plane to Seattle on Monday, Jan. 26, shy but excited, according to Kate Williams, global and outdoor education program manager. They left on Feb. 6, crying because they had to say goodbye to UPrep. University Prep hosted high school students from Shin Min High School, located in Taichung City, Taiwan.
“We want to continue to deepen the relationships with our community partners. That means making sure that our visits are wonderful,” said Brian Gonzales, director of innovation and experiential education.
At UPrep, the students experienced a demo lesson that science teachers Tom Strouse and Clare Prowse led. The lesson served to “show off the best of what UPrep has to offer,” Williams said.
The students, using Alka-Seltzer and film canisters, created rockets which they then launched.
“I think their English level was lower, but it didn’t hold them back,” Williams said. “I don’t think you have to speak English to connect with other humans. And I think that’s a cool learning opportunity in this program.”
The Shin Min students had the opportunity to interact with UPrep students on campus. At one event, the UPrep students and Taiwanese students exchanged snacks.
“The story that came out of that activity was that the students from Taiwan love Cool Ranch Doritos,” Gonzales said.
Lai Yu Cheng, a Shin Min student, enjoyed his time at UPrep.
“I felt very good,” Yu Cheng said.
Outside of UPrep, the students visited the Space Needle, the International District, Pike Place Market and the University of Washington, according to Williams.
“I like Seattle,” Yu Cheng said.
The Taiwanese students stayed with the families of UPrep students. Ninth grader Rowen Glidden hosted a student.
“For me hosting is not just for someone to have a vacation,” Glidden said. “It should be an exchange of culture and diversity. And that is why I love it so much.”
Williams views the UPrep community as essential to Global Link.
“I think the better we host and the better we show up here, the better we are hosted,” Williams said. “It’s a great cycle to be a part of, and it makes me feel a lot of hope in humanity.”
