Mayfair Takes on Taiwan!

Mayfair High School has three language electives that vary in level: Spanish, French, and Mandarin. Students who sign up for those courses are lectured about more than just the art of the language — they are also taught about the society, culture, and environment. Previously, the Mayfair Language Department was able to give students the chance to travel to France in Spain during spring break. This year, they were able to plan and fundraise for traveling to a country located in East Asia. During this year’s spring break, the Mayfair Language Department was able to give Monsoons the opportunity to travel to Taiwan for an extraordinary field trip. Students were able to visit many sites, participate in cultural activities, and communicate with locals in Mandarin. 

Ms. Luo, the Mandarin teacher, was able to lead everyone for their field trip and excited them for many opportunities to learn about Taiwanese culture from outside of the classroom. As students made their way into their adventure, Ms. Luo reflected on the growth each student has undergone in their Mandarin skills. “We visited a school in Taichung, our penpal school, and in the beginning it was that awkward silence,” she begins. “But right after that I saw them starting to communicate and talk to each other and that’s when I felt amazed. I see that it’s really worth a while.” Another remarkable moment she recalls is when Monsoons were able to spend their time at a night market and indulging themselves in Taiwanese foods with their penpal classmates. The night market outing was an opportunity for Ms. Luo to acknowledge the determination of our students in wanting to communicate in Mandarin. “There’s some kids who speak Mandarin already, but ordering boba milk tea in Taiwan is pretty complicated … but I saw all the kids so willing to participate,” she comments. Additionally, Ms. Luo establishes the impacts of this field trip, she says that the students asked many questions about the differences in cultures and that those inspiring ideas can be brought into our culture whether societal or environmental. Finally, she emphasizes the other significance of the Taiwan field trip, which is the relationships students can build outside of the classroom — even if one has to endure a 13-hour flight. “I think the bond that you build outside of the classroom is immeasurable because you know the student better and you can talk to them,” Ms. Luo asserts. 

Madame Fauben, the French teacher, has taken the role of a chaperone who was able to supervise and enjoy the Taiwanese experience along with other fellow students. As someone with a history of traveling, she has special interests in Europe and Asia, always wanting to explore more of the world. Previously, she led Monsoons into traversing through the world of France and its culture, but she was able to recognize a new familiarity in this trip. “It was different because all the trips we do abroad we did not do student exchange programs,” Mme Fauben states. “So this one was different because the students had a variety of activities, academic and cultural.” Observing the influence of these abroad experiences, she claims that the Taiwan field trip had different impacts on each student. “It’s true that they’re not directly my students,” she begins. “But they shared their experiences on the last day… and most of them had a moment because the tendency is to compare and the question, for example, will be ‘What’s the difference [between Taiwanese and American culture]?’” With this in mind, she shares how many students have noticed many vast differences between our school systems and its organization. After visiting Taiwan, Mme Fauben is hopeful that our traveling students will spark change into our school to promote a healthier environment. 

Many students here were able to encounter the fascination of Taiwanese culture and expand their knowledge of the Mandarin language. Adeline Herrera, a Mandarin-learning student, shares her feelings about the field trip. “In the beginning, I was really nervous because it was a new experience,” she explains. “But I got to make really good friends and it was just a great time being able to try new foods and places. We went to Sun Moon Lake and that was really fun!” As someone who devoted her time to learning about Mandarin in Mayfair, she expressed that the Taiwan field trip was an eye-opening experience. “It felt great connecting with the culture there,” Adeline says. “I had a great time learning about their traditions, foods, and celebrations. It’s different from when your teachers just talk to you in class and then you actually get to experience it.”

Derek Taing, another Mandarin-learning student, was able to spend his spring break in a culturally-enriching field trip that has enlarged his knowledge on Taiwanese culture. He claims that he definitely improved in his Mandarin language skills as he states,“I improved in the language. I can actually buy food better and talk to people more clearly. I’ve learned about the indigenous tribes and their specific ritual dances, traditions, and mating rituals.” Additionally, Derek recalls his favorite memories of the Taiwan field trip. He describes visiting Sun Moon Lake as one of the most mesmerizing landscapes he has ever seen in his life. “The water was emerald green and it was windy but not too bad… and then I got to ride on top of the boat and just experience it,” he narrates. “I was looking out over the landscape and thought, ‘Wow, this is the one.’” 

Andrew Nakagawa was able to have his share of excitement during this event. “I’m not in any Mandarin class, so I learned a lot over there,” he states. “I learned how a different country experiences things.” Despite not being a Mandarin student, he was able to grow an appreciation for Taiwanese culture. Andrew reflects on many moments of the field trip, but he shares a specific favorite moment during Taiwan. “I think going to the high school in Taiwan is my favorite moment because I made a lot of friends,” he says. The Taiwan field trip amazed Andrew as he expressed how fun it was to make new friends across the globe. 

Mayfair students and teachers were able to spend their spring break visiting Taiwan in an enlightening adventure through their first Asian field trip. Because of their hard work in fundraising and planning for this occasion, many enchanting memories were formed and confidence was built for aspiring Mandarin-speaking students. We look forward to the next international trip that will continue to inspire Monsoons to explore the world and learn new ideas from different cultures.

Videos by Jack and Kayla.

Image Courtesy of Ms. Luo.