The College of International Culture, Education, and Foreign Affairs at Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages is implementing the Taiwan Experience Education Program (TEEP) and has invited a Ukrainian student to Taiwan for the first time. Valeriia Skrynnyk, a 21-year-old Ukrainian woman, came to Taiwan in October to teach English and learn Chinese. In the spirit of humanity, Wenzao offered her free accommodations and a “buddy” to help her adapt to Taiwanese culture and learn Chinese. From October to November, Valeriia worked at Kaohsiung Municipal Hebin Elementary School as an English teaching assistant. While there, she participated in a cultural handicraft class at Kaohsiung Municipal Shoushan Junior High School, where she taught middle school students to paint Easter eggs. Also, while in Taiwan, Valeriia shared the Ukrainian language, food, and culture in four courses at Wenzao. She also shared her story of living through the war in Ukraine and the displacement of her family and friends, which made her cry during the sharing session. However, many Taiwanese students came to her after class and cheered her up, which made her feel the warmth of Taiwan.
Dr. Vivian Chiu-Hui Wu, the Dean of the College of International Culture, Education, and Foreign Affairs, stated, “There are many Russian students and teachers at Wenzao, but no Ukrainian students. Therefore, it is necessary for teachers and students to learn more about the Ukrainian culture and viewpoints on the war. Valeriia wrote the following:
“With the arrival of the war to my home, my life was turned upside down. Every day I woke up to the sound of missiles and bombs explosions. There were times when I said goodbye to my life because of the shelling, thinking that it was my last day. When Ms. Wu told me that I could come to Taiwan, I felt like I was alive again; it was a breath of fresh air for me. I am very grateful to Taiwan for supporting Ukraine! I am so grateful to the Taiwanese people for making me feel like this is my second home. Here, I not only learned Chinese [language] and culture, but also relearned how to live and enjoy life. Again, Taiwanese people are very kind and helpful. These facts make me not feel disappointed with people. Thanks, Taiwan, for being interested in Ukrainian culture. We have a lot in common and I hope the cooperation between Taiwan and the Ukraine will be better and better. Thank you, Taiwan, from the bottom of my heart!”
Finally, Valeriia would like to thank the Ministry of Education for funding the TEEP program and the Taiwanese teachers and students for taking care of her and allowing her life story to be heard. Valeriia is currently studying Chinese at Wenzao’s Chinese Language Center and is expected to work as an English teaching assistant again in the elementary or middle schools next semester.
