To introduce international students to Taiwan's traditional festivals and cultural heritage, the International Student Guidance Section of Tamkang University's Office of International and Cross-Strait Affairs hosted the "Dragon Boat Festival Rice Dumpling Celebration" at noon on June 10 in the lobby on the 10th floor of the Ching-Sheng Memorial Building. The event welcomed international students from around the world to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival together. Vice President for International Affairs Hsiao-Chuan Chen and Dean of International Affairs Chien-Mu Yeh also joined the celebration, sharing the festive atmosphere with students.

The event began with an English presentation by Shiena Chailand, a senior student in the English-taught Computer Science and Information Engineering Program from Indonesia, who introduced the origins of the Dragon Boat Festival. She recounted the story of the patriotic poet Qu Yuan and explained the historical significance of dragon boat racing and rice dumplings (zongzi), emphasizing that the festival not only represents an important traditional celebration but also embodies the cultural values of integrity, loyalty, and selfless devotion. Her engaging presentation helped many international students gain a deeper appreciation of a festival they were experiencing for the first time.

Following the cultural presentation, faculty members and students gathered for a group photo before receiving traditional rice dumplings. Many students eagerly sampled this iconic Taiwanese delicacy while chatting with friends from different countries and exchanging stories about their own cultural traditions. Plates and chili sauce were thoughtfully provided, allowing participants to enjoy the rice dumplings according to their personal tastes.

Angel Felicia, a senior student in the Department of Business Administration from Indonesia, shared that she is currently working in Taipei and therefore has fewer opportunities to meet with classmates. She appreciated the event not only for allowing her to enjoy a traditional Dragon Boat Festival delicacy but also for providing a chance to reconnect with friends and experience the warmth of campus celebrations.

Jessica Chen, a first-year student in the Department of International Business from France, said she had learned about the Dragon Boat Festival while studying Chinese in France, but this was the first time she had gained a deeper understanding of its historical background and tasted zongzi. She remarked that the event not only introduced her to Taiwanese culture but also gave her the opportunity to make new friends.

Emma Majek, a first-year student in the French Section of the Department of European Languages from France, noted that France also has festive traditions associated with special foods. During Epiphany (Épiphanie), families enjoy Galette des Rois (King Cake), while La Chandeleur (Candlemas) is celebrated by eating crêpes. She commented that discovering cultures through food is both enjoyable and meaningful and expressed her hope of watching a Dragon Boat Festival race in Taiwan in the future.

Su Thi Phuong Lo`an, a first-year student in the Department of Information and Communication from Vietnam, shared that the Dragon Boat Festival in Vietnam is also known as the "Insect-Killing Festival." On that day, families traditionally gather early in the morning to eat fermented glutinous rice and sour fruits, believing these foods promote good health and drive away illness. Although the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated differently in Taiwan and Vietnam, she observed that both traditions emphasize family reunions and the preservation of cultural heritage.

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