Several of Middleton High School’s Mandarin students continued their learning outside of the classroom with an educational trip to Taiwan in June. A group of 34 students led by three Mandarin teachers – Qin Tian, Wen Ding, and Yuzhou Wu – and three chaperones – Marisa Fiorito, Amelia Gayle, and Kaley Rogers – participated in cultural, historical, and educational experiences that brought their language learning to life.
Tian said highlights included a hands-on Taiwanese street food cooking workshop as well as visits to the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper and to Taipei Zoo to see the giant pandas. Students also explored the Ximending neighborhood and enjoyed a traditional KTV, or karaoke, experience.
“I think that not all classrooms have four walls,” Tian said. “While students can learn about a language and culture through textbooks, there is something transformative about experiencing it firsthand. When students step into a new environment, their curiosity is naturally sparked. They begin asking questions, making connections, and seeing the world from new perspectives. Learning becomes more meaningful because it is no longer just information on a page, it becomes a lived experience.”
Tian said one of the most impactful parts of the trip was spending two days at a local Taiwanese high school.
“Students attended classes, participated in cultural activities, and built friendships with Taiwanese students,” Tian said. “This school visit was a highlight of the experience and provided authentic opportunities for language practice and cultural exchange.”
The school visit was especially memorable for rising junior Madyson Pasard, who said “going to Taiwan is the greatest thing to happen in my life.”
Pasard was nervous ahead of the school visit but felt welcomed by Taiwanese students.
“I was incredibly nervous; I felt like I lacked the confidence it needed to walk into the classroom,” Pasard said. “Then I had to speak in front of what felt like 100 people, but my partner Katy stayed with me and I’ll always remember her reassuring smile. My class was just what I needed. They are so goofy, sweet, and they all had such a warm presence. I left their high school knowing that I’ll miss them all.”
The school visit was also a highlight for rising junior Geena Gandagatri.
“My favorite part of the trip was the 7/11 trips and visiting the Taiwanese school, but it was really the friends I made along the way that made a difference in my experience,” Gandagatri said. “They made me feel a part of a family, and I’m grateful I went!”
Students visited several cultural and historical sites, including the National Palace Museum, Wenwu Temple, Sun Moon Lake, the Guangxing Paper Mill, the National Taichung Theater, and the 921 Earthquake Museum. They also took a scenic boat ride on Sun Moon Lake; created traditional paper crafts; and toured Shifen Old Street, where they released sky lanterns while making wishes for the future.
The experiences as well as connecting with Taiwanese people were most meaningful for rising junior Nova Hansen.
“Taiwan has been the most amazing time of my life,” Hansen said. “Everyone there, Taiwanese and American, was so kind and easy to talk to. It is really an amazing feeling to speak a language you didn't grow up knowing and having the locals understand you. I'd do it again at any opportunity.”
Tian shared why immersive travel experiences are so valuable for students.
“Experiences like these offer students much more than knowledge,” Tian said. “They develop a deeper understanding of different cultures, build genuine relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, and discover both the similarities and differences that connect us as human beings. These are lessons that cannot be fully taught in a classroom.”
She said opportunities to learn outside of class help students strengthen their cultural understanding as well as develop “a lifelong curiosity about the world.”
“Throughout the trip, I was incredibly proud of how our students embraced new experiences, demonstrated curiosity and respect, and represented Middleton High School with maturity and enthusiasm,” Tian said. “The experience allowed them to deepen their understanding of Taiwan’s culture, history, and people while developing greater confidence as global citizens.”