The Center for Holistic Education held its third High Table Dinner at the Tamsui Campus on October 2, in the Student Activity Center, marking the start of a new semester. This year’s event saw participation from 5 departments — Computer Science and Information Engineering, English, International Tourism Management, Global Politics and Economics, and, for the first time, the English-taught program of the Department of Business Administration — bringing together nearly 230 faculty and students across 48 tables for a grand and elegant evening.

Originating from the traditions of Oxford and Cambridge Universities, the High Table Dinner was first introduced to Tamkang University’s Lanyang Campus in 2005 and extended to the Tamsui Campus in 2023, becoming a hallmark event of the Holistic Education program. The evening was hosted by academic and administrative leaders, including Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director of the Holistic Education Center, Prof. Hui-Huang Hsu; Dean of the College of International Affairs and Executive Secretary of the Holistic Education Center, Prof. Cheng-Hao Pao; Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Shih-Jung Wu; Dean of International Affairs, Prof. Chien-Mu Yeh; Dean of Academic Affairs, Prof. Tzong-Ru Tsai; along with college deans Prof. Tzung-Hang Lee (Engineering), Prof. Li-Jen Yang (Business and Management), and Prof. Yi-Ti Lin (Foreign Languages and Literatures).

The dinner emphasized etiquette and atmosphere over fine dining. Before seating, a session on Western table manners was conducted to guide participants in proper etiquette. Reflecting the program’s “Junior Study Abroad” focus, students were required to dress formally — men in suits, women in evening dresses. At the same time, some chose traditional attire representing their home countries to express mutual respect and cultural diversity. Guests entered the venue quietly and in order, symbolizing dignity and discipline. The correct use of tableware was considered an essential aspect of demonstrating international professionalism. International Tourism Management student Zhe-Rui Yu shared that although he was initially anxious about the formal dress code, he felt the elegant atmosphere encouraged mutual respect and cultural exchange, helping students better prepare for future international occasions.

The dinner featured an exquisite menu, including croissants, roasted chicken with vegetables, egg tarts, and seasonal fruits, paired with drinks served in wine glasses. When the faculty members and students raised their glasses and toasted “Cheers!”, the hall was filled with warmth and excitement. In his remarks, Vice President Hsu highlighted that students come from diverse cities and countries, and the Holistic Education Center strives to provide a truly international environment that fosters dialogue and cultural exchange. He emphasized that the formal attire tradition, continued from the Lanyang Campus, represents students’ growth into adulthood — learning to take responsibility for themselves and their actions, both in real life and online. International Tourism Management senior Hsiao-Ching Chang, who previously attended a similar event while studying abroad in Poland, noted that the etiquette was equally formal. Still, she was touched by the warmth and friendliness of the TKU faculty.

Dean Tzung-Hang Lee noted that dining together enables faculty to gain a deeper understanding of students’ backgrounds, lifestyles, and learning interests, providing more holistic guidance while also learning new perspectives from students. He encouraged students to strengthen language skills and broaden international horizons. Global Politics and Economics freshman Chih-Shuang Hung shared that attending such a culturally rich Western-style dinner and meeting peers from different countries was a unique and enriching experience that deepened her understanding of cross-cultural communication and inspired her to pursue future study abroad opportunities.

SDGs #SDG04 Quality Education #SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

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