Cornerstone 5th Graders' Trip to Taiwan

The Flying Dragon Class went on a life-changing international trip to Taiwan from March 23 to April 4. Their Taiwan adventure began in Taipei with visits to Longshan Temple, Dadaocheng, and Taipei 101, capped by a delicious meal at Din Tai Fung. After a short flight to Hualien, students were warmly welcomed by Tzu Chi Elementary School. For the first few days of their trip, the students embraced local traditions through experiences like Palakaw fishing at the Mataian Wetlands, bamboo-tube cooking, and scenic bike rides along the coast.

When the students arrived at our sister school, Tzu Chi Elementary School, the students settled into homestay life and engaged in academic and enrichment classes as part of their daily routine, learning gratitude practices, sustainability, and martial arts, just like the local students in Taiwan. They bonded with peers, prepared performances, and participated in events like the International Education Carnival and a beach cleanup. Reflections, service projects, and cultural exchange fostered growth, empathy, and lasting connections. All teachers and students at Tzu Chi expressed awe at our students’ Mandarin proficiency and confidence with using the language.

On April 1, the students said emotional farewells at Tzu Chi before heading to Cidal Hunter School for hands-on Indigenous experiences. In Taipei, they released sky lanterns in Shifen, explored Jiufen, and enjoyed local cuisine. Their journey ended with visits to the National Palace Museum and Zhishan Garden, a lighthearted tea stop, and meaningful reflections—returning home with full hearts, unforgettable memories, and a broader multicultural perspective of the world around them. This experience also strengthened their independence and self-reliance, invigorating our friendship with our sister school. We look forward to hosting the students from Taiwan in 2026.