Aiming to deepen cooperation between Taiwan and Germany in green agriculture, environmental sustainability, and local culture, NPUST hosted a student delegation from the Germany’s Union Stiftung from September 11 to 13, 2025. The exchange was facilitated by NPUST’s sister school in Germany, Trier University of Applied Sciences, and coordinated by the NPUST Office of International Affairs (OIA).
The visit included on-campus discussions and laboratory tours, along with field trips to local sites such as the Pingtung King Boat Museum in Donggang Township, the Linbian Association for Natural History and Cultural Heritage Conservation, the Sunny Rich Vanilla Farm in Jiadong Township, and TC Choco in Neipu Township. By experiencing these locations firsthand, the German delegation was able to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwanese culture and green agricultural development while engaging in diverse discussions on related topics.
Focus on Democracy and Sustainability
The German Union Stiftung is a non-profit organization rooted in Christian values. It actively promotes democratic education, international understanding, scientific research, and cultural development by offering youth and the public a platform to engage with public issues through lectures, seminars, and forums. The student-heavy German delegation demonstrated a keen interest in Taiwan’s political, environmental, and cultural affairs during their visit.
The exchange program included a seminar with Professor Herlin Chien, Director of the NPUST Center for General Education, where they discussed Taiwan’s political system, international relations, and the process of democratic development. The students actively participated, asking questions and exchanging viewpoints.
The itinerary also included a visit to the Graduate Institute of Landscape and Recreation Management where Associate Professor Wan-Yu Chou, the institute’s director, presented practical case studies in green agriculture, sustainable environments, and green care (healing gardens). Students were then divided into groups for discussions, where they compared the agricultural policies and environmental management strategies of Taiwan and Germany. They presented their ideas, including a proposal to integrate art into environmental education, and participated in a hands-on experience in a healing garden, where they conducted flower and plant-based DIY dyeing to appreciate the value of natural materials.
Cultural Immersion and Agricultural Experience
For cultural immersion, the group visited the Pingtung King Boat Museum to learn about the historical background and ritual characteristics of the “Ong Yah Worshipping Ceremony.” They also traveled to Jiadong Township to meet with the Association for Natural History and Cultural Heritage Conservation and visit the Sunny Rich Vanilla Farm. There, they engaged in a cross-national exchange on renewable energy and environmental sustainability, specifically discussing the model of growing vanilla underneath solar panels. The final stop was TC Choco, where they were provided with a comprehensive experience—from cocoa cultivation and harvesting to chocolate-making—and through the DIY activities, they were able to enjoy the entire process from beginning to end.
The OIA’s well-thought-out itinerary provided the German students with a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s political and social landscape and local culture, while also heightening interest in green agriculture and sustainability. The exchange not only broadened the international perspectives of the participating youth, but also laid a foundation for future cooperation between Taiwan and Germany in fields such as environmental conservation, renewable energy, and cultural heritage.
