SDG17
NCKU Chinese Language Center and CLS Students Celebrate the U.S. Semiquincentennial
Marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026, the Chinese Language Center (CLC) of the College of Liberal Arts at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) hosted the "Freedom 250 Potluck" on July 4, Independence Day, under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State's Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program. Through shared meals, cultural exchange, and youth dialogue, the event highlighted the longstanding, deep educational and cultural partnership between Taiwan and the United States, as well as NCKU’s significant achievements in promoting international exchange.
The CLS Program is one of the U.S. Department of State's flagship scholarship programs, sending outstanding American university students overseas each year for intensive study of critical languages. Since becoming the first university in Taiwan to host the CLS Traditional Chinese program in 2016, NCKU has continuously provided high-quality Chinese language education and cultural experiences, becoming a vital platform for Taiwan-U.S. educational cooperation.
In 2026, a total of 29 CLS scholars arrived in Taiwan from 28 universities across 20 U.S. states, including Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, Brown University, and Johns Hopkins University. In addition to 8 weeks of intensive Chinese language training, the students immersed themselves in Taiwanese culture through host families, language partners, and cultural activities. On the evening of July 4, the CLS students delivered a series of exciting performances, including presentations on prominent American figures, photo sharing, singing Chinese songs, and leading line dancing (cowboy dance). The lively atmosphere filled the venue, and their energetic and confident performances drew enthusiastic applause.
NCKU Executive Vice President Yuh-Neu Chen welcomed the CLS students on behalf of the university and expressed gratitude to all partners who made the event possible. She noted that while American Independence Day is traditionally celebrated with fireworks and barbecues, this event allowed everyone to celebrate together in Tainan—a city with a rich history and diverse cultural harmony—through a rich array of culinary exchanges and wonderful performances, creating beautiful memories for all. She also highlighted that it was the peak season for mangoes and encouraged everyone to enjoy their delicious flavor.
Deputy Secretary-General Jung-Chuan Lin represented Tainan City Mayor Wei-Che Huang at the event, extending a warm welcome to the young visitors from across the United States. He commended NCKU for its long-term dedication to promoting Chinese language education and international exchange, making Tainan an important hub for Taiwan-U.S. youth engagement, cultural understanding, and co-creation.
Nearly 200 guests attended the event, including Tainan host families, language partners, and guests from both on and off campus. The potluck featured a rich and thoughtful assortment of food. Alongside iconic Taiwanese snacks—such as bubble tea, small sausage in large sausage, fried noodles, fried rice vermicelli, gua bao, and tofu pudding—there was a sweet selection of fruits including mangoes, watermelons, guavas, lychees, and pineapples. Dishes like burgers, pork/beef wraps, pasta, baked rice, and vegetarian sushi were also served, reflecting the cultural diversity of Taiwan and the U.S. through food while creating a memorable experience of cultural exchange.
The NCKU Chinese Language Center implemented the U.S. Department of State's Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program and hosted the "Freedom 250 Potluck" celebration on July 4.
The event featured a rich and diverse selection of food.
CLS students delivered exciting performances.
CLS students introduced notable American figures.
Leading a cowboy dance energized the crowd.
In addition to showcasing the cultural diversity of Taiwan and the U.S. through food, the event also created a truly memorable experience of cultural exchange.
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