CLTSC responded to an invitation from our university's Mountain and Sea Tribal Recreation Education Center on November 11th, co-hosting the "Valley and Wuling Good Grains Learning Journey." This collaborative event brought international students enrolled in Chinese language courses at our center to the Wuling Tribe, providing them with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of the Bunun tribe and explore the cultivation of the distinctive crop known as oil millet. Throughout the day, participants gained valuable insights into Taitung's distinct culture, the traditional grains of the Bunun tribe, and the rich local heritage of the Wuling Tribe.

The participants, hailing from the "2023 Fall Semester Chinese Language Class" at the Chinese Language Center, comprised eight international students. Among them, five students from India were drawn to Taitung University by its breathtaking mountains, expansive seas, and diverse ethnic cultures. Additionally, Matthew from Australia, an American son-in-law who left the Australian Navy to pursue Chinese language studies in Taitung, and Dave from Belgium, enticed by the region's natural beauty, further enriched the diverse group. The activities included a tribal cycling tour and a hands-on session where participants learned the intricate process of making oil millet buns.

At noon, the students embarked on a journey into the heart of the tribe's deep mountains, arriving at the food education kitchen. Here, they were treated to a specially crafted gourmet lunch prepared from locally sourced ingredients, each with a story that forged a profound connection between the international students and Taitung. Following the meal, Matthew shared his profound realization that, despite living in Taitung, he had never envisioned acquiring local knowledge while savoring the exquisite cuisine deeply rooted in the region. The day culminated with a hands-on experience of the Bunun tribe's traditional hunting and merit-reporting culture, leaving an indelible impression on all participants.