By Han Pham
As the pandemic waned, NCCU embarked on a journey back to its vibrant international environment, welcoming students from diverse cultural backgrounds once again. This reinvigorated atmosphere echoed with the buzz of languages from around the world, as students resumed their studies and activities on campus. It marked a pivotal moment of renewal and reconnection for the NCCU community, celebrating the diversity and richness that international students bring to the university's tapestry.
On February 29th, over 50 international students at NCCU participated in a cozy and connecting Board game evening organized by NCCU IA (International Student Association). The event kicked off at 7:30 PM in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of I-House, where participants were treated to a variety of pizzas and drinks.
Upon arrival and check-in, the group gathered in a cozy space, breaking bread together and engaging in light conversation to foster new connections. As the crowd swelled with arrivals, the eager participants relocated to an adjacent room, igniting the start of an exciting board game.
Amee, currently Vice president of IA, hosted the first game to break the ice and ease any initial awkwardness. The game was called Head, Shoulder, Butt, Cup, and everyone lined up in pairs. After four rounds, we finally had a winner. This game successfully lightened the atmosphere, fostering a sense of camaraderie and joy among participants. Laughter echoed throughout the room as everyone engaged in friendly competition, bonding over shared experiences and moments of triumph. It catalyzed breaking down barriers and building connections, creating lasting memories, and leaving everyone in high spirits.
▲Amee explained the rule
▲People lined up to play the game.
After that, participants were free to move between two rooms, each offering various board games, including Cards Against Humanity, Ghost Blitz, Aquarius, Saboteur, Dixit, Avalon, Werewolf, and UNO. International students stopped at the game station that piqued their interest and then continued to move after completing a round. Members of IA expressed hope that playing different games with various students would help international students connect with more people.
As the night progressed, the room buzzed with animated conversations in different languages, creating a vibrant and multicultural ambiance. Some students shared stories of their home countries, while others exchanged tips on navigating life in a foreign land.
▲Individuals from diverse cultures engage in conversations and acquaint themselves with one another.
Amee suggested that instead of a casual dinner gathering, a board game night would be a better idea for international students to meet each other. Since everyone is new to the environment, it may be challenging to adapt. As an international association, Amee believes that they have the appropriate resources to create this event for everyone to make new friends.
Amee also had an idea that involving a diverse array of individuals in a board game session is a fantastic method to foster a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. It enables everyone to effortlessly and organically engage with one another. Attendees can freely socialize, interact with various groups, and avoid being confined to a single conversation partner for the entirety of the evening. Thus far, the event has proven successful in integrating international students into the fold, and Amee is pleasantly surprised by the achievement of their goals.
Many participants still feel like newcomers to NCCU as the semester has just begun. Some admit they've heard of other international students but haven't had many chances to get acquainted and chat more with each other. Therefore, this event acts as a bridge between students from different cultural backgrounds, helping them to get to know each other, make connections, and feel more at home at NCCU.
▲International students bonding over games
Additionally, the event serves as an opportunity for students to break out of their comfort zones and engage in meaningful interactions with peers from various parts of the world. It encourages them to embrace diversity, expand their social circles, and cultivate a sense of belonging within the university community. By fostering connections and fostering a welcoming atmosphere, the event plays a vital role in facilitating the integration of international students into the vibrant tapestry of NCCU's campus life.
Kanako from Japan and Primmy from Thailand seized the opportunity to forge a strong bond through this activity. The evening brimmed with excitement for both of them. Kanako fondly shares her experience: "It was such a funny moment. I used to be an exchange student in Thailand, so I could immediately tell that Primmy was Thai from her shirt, which came from a famous local Thai brand. I approached her, and we hit it off right away."
Their encounter not only highlights the serendipitous connections that can arise in such settings but also underscores the power of shared experiences in fostering friendships across cultures.
▲Kanako(left) and Primmy(right) were enjoying themselves immensely at Board game night
As the clock struck midnight, the board game extravaganza drew to a close, but the memories and connections made during the event would last a lifetime. With smiles on their faces and newfound friendships in their hearts, the students bid farewell, already looking forward to the next gathering where they could once again come together to share laughter, camaraderie, and the joy of gaming.
The organizing unit NCCU IA (International Student Association) is a collective of international students aiming to facilitate the quick integration, adaptation, and fostering of a great experience for other international students at NCCU. Each semester, IA hosts various activities, encouraging everyone to make friends and socialize, thereby creating a warm social community at NCCU. In addition, they regularly organize events to help international students better understand Taiwanese culture, ensuring they don't miss out on exciting events. Stay updated with NCCU IA by following them at: https://www.instagram.com/nccuia?igsh=bjQ0Zm13Y2tlazFo
▲Group photo of the Board game night
More on OIC connect no.94:
Taiwan, English and the World: The First Edition of NCCU’s English Diner
Tsou aboriginal group, a closer look
Wang Gong Pastoral Patrolling of the Fields: a Look Into Local Religion in Muzha
Hearing from members of the NCCU Host Family Program
From Campus to Career: Navigating Futures at NCCU's Career Fair
From Campus to Career: Exploring the Working Market in Taiwan for International Students
