Outside the classroom, students immersed themselves in the target language by participating in weekly excursions. The first destination was the National Palace Museum, which houses nearly 700,000 ancient Chinese artifacts spanning 8,000 years of history, from the Neolithic age to the modern era. This was followed by a visit to the Kuo Yuan Ye Museum of Cake and Pastry, where students baked their own pineapple cakes as souvenirs. Another trip took students to Dadaocheng, where they created their own milk tea carriers using traditional Taiwanese patterns. The Taipei portion of the program concluded with a visit to Jiufen, a town featuring narrow, winding alleyways filled with shops, restaurants, and tea houses that offered a glimpse into traditional Taiwanese life. The highlight of this excursion was enjoying tea at the famous Amei Tea House, which provided breathtaking views of the mountains and ocean.

After settling into Hsinchu, students visited Hsinchu Old Town, where they strolled through historic areas, including Hsinchu Station. Another excursion took them to Hsinchu’s Yamai Tribe, where they were introduced to the nomadic Tayal culture, offering insights into the tribe’s rich traditions. This was followed by a weekend-long trip to Sun Moon Lake, a destination rich in natural beauty and home to the Chung Tai Monastery and Museum. Upon returning to Hsinchu, students began preparations for their PBLL projects. One featured location was Zhongyang Market, where students immersed themselves in the local culture of Hsinchu. Another was the Jiangjun Military Dependents’ Village, where students explored the historical significance of these buildings. Students also visited the TSMC Museum, showcasing the world-renowned chip manufacturing company responsible for a large portion of the world’s semiconductor production.