The first week of September at National Chengchi University (NCCU) is always filled with an electric buzz. New students wander the greenery filled WenShan campus with wide eyes, 行動政大 app downloaded at the tip of their fingers, as they try to navigate through the campus—finding classrooms, cafeterias, and perhaps even new friends. But this year, as the campus heats up under the late summer sun, the real energy gathers on the central Si Wei boulevard (四維道) from September 2 to 4, where over a hundred student clubs spread out colorful booths for NCCU’s annual Club Fair.
For many international and exchange students, this is their first immersion into the heartbeat of Taiwanese student life. Beyond the textbooks and lectures, it's in the drumbeats, the dance performances, the euphonious voices of the Acappella Club, and the laughter of students handed free snacks and drinks—where friendships grow, passions spark, and campus life truly comes alive.
"I was amazed by how lively the campus was," says JobJab (孫淑庭), a first-year Thai graduate student in the IMBA program. "It was much busier than my university back home, and I felt both excited and a little overwhelmed" , she recalls. "I wasn't sure what to expect, but seeing so many clubs, from business to dance to debate, makes me feel like there's a place for everyone here—even for someone new like me."
▲Students exploring booths on the first day of the Club Fair after the rain cleared
New Beginnings: Clubs as a Gateway to Belonging
The theme of new beginnings resonates strongly this semester. For students arriving in a new country, adjusting to a new language, and navigating cultural differences, the clubs offer not just entertainment but also a sense of belonging.
The Club Fair is a microcosm of NCCU's vibrant campus life, showcasing six types of clubs: Autonomous, Academic, Art, Fellowship, Service, and Fitness. From political unions to hiking teams, from dance crews to cultural exchange groups, the fair offers over 100 ways for students to explore new interests and connect with others. For international students, these clubs often serve as the bridge to understanding Taiwan, making friends, and building a richer study abroad experience.
For many international students, the sheer variety can feel overwhelming. Some clubs attract international students naturally because they cross cultural and language barriers. Sports clubs, musical clubs, and cultural exchange events like SLAM stand out for their universal appeal.
▲The Acappella Club performing a heartfelt rendition of Crowd Lu's "我愛你."(photo: Sandra Wu)
▲Students in front of SLAM, cultural exchange club (photo: Sandra Wu)
Nadaam, a Mongolian alumnus who majored in International College of Innovation (ICI), recalled how he first became involved in SLAM (Study Less Achieve More), a social mixer where international and Taiwanese students bond through food, games, and music—not as a participant, but as an organizer:
"My classmate asked me to host one of his events he was doing at school (SLAM), and that's really pretty much how I got into it."
Stepping into a leadership role as an international student came with both excitement and challenges. Nadaam reflected candidly, "Not knowing Mandarin and scheduling issues were the hardest parts. It takes a lot of time to make one event happen."
Yet the challenges were matched by moments of joy and fulfillment. For Nadaam, one memory stood out most vividly, "Last year's SLAM Christmas event—pretty much the best SLAM I ever hosted." Looking back, Nadaam believes international students should embrace these opportunities. "Join as much as you want and make as many new friends as possible," he advised. For him, organizing SLAM wasn't just about events; it was about building bridges across cultures and leaving a legacy of connection at NCCU.
▲Nadaam hosting his last SLAM as a senior (photo: Nadaam)
First Impressions: From Curiosity to Commitment
Rachel, an American alumna with a Master's degree in International Relations, still smiles when she recalls her first semester at NCCU. A tennis player since high school, she quickly sought out the NCCU Girls Tennis Team as a way to root herself in her new environment with a familiar passion.
“I've always found that sports provide a great community and an opportunity to feel more connected to the place where you are living," she explained. "Since my program was entirely international, it was easy for me to get to know [people in] my master's program as everyone is international. But at the same time, it sometimes felt disconnected from the larger university. I wanted to feel as though I was truly a part of the NCCU community and was gaining the experience of attending a university in Taiwan."
Joining the tennis team wasn't without its challenges. Rachel faced language barriers, especially during competitive tournaments. "There were definitely times where I just had to tell myself to go with the flow as I was not 100% sure what was happening," she laughed. But the team's warmth and support carried her through. "It was lovely to see how everyone would come out to support each other in tough matches."
Moreover, balancing sports and academics demanded careful planning. With practices three times a week in the spring semester, she learned to structure her assignments around tournaments. "It wasn't a major challenge, but it required discipline," she admitted. "I had to make sure everything was finished before practice—time management really became the key to making it all work."
For Rachel, one moment stands out above the rest. "The 2024 Northern Regional Tournament was my first real competition in Taiwan," she recalled. "I was very nervous, and confused a lot of the time, but it felt incredible to represent NCCU and to have teammates cheering me on. When we placed third in the tournament, which I felt very proud of."
▲NCCU Girls Tennis Team placing third in the 2025 Northern Regional Tournament; Rachel in the middle
(Photo: Sandra Wu)
For Rachel, the experience was transformative. "It can be intimidating to join a competitive sports team in another language. But my biggest piece of advice would be to acknowledge that it can be nerve wracking at times, but to join a team and commit to it anyway." In the end, the rewards—community, confidence, and memories—are definitely worth it.
Outdoors and Adventure: Hiking as a Cultural Connector
The Hiking and Climbing Team is another favorite among international students. Taiwan's mountains provide not just exercise but also a shared experience that transcends language.
▲Shine (to the right) along with her hiking team during an overnight hike at 油羅山 (Youluo Mountain) for new members (photo: NCCU Hiking and Climbing team)
Among its leaders is Shine(施含芸) , a sophomore psychology major who has guided numerous hikes and outdoor activities. In her words, "Clubs are where students really connect through a shared hobby and experience. International students sometimes hesitate because of the language, but when they join hiking events, communication happens naturally. Once we start hiking, everyone communicates through gestures, shared laughter, and teamwork. By the end, they're fully part of the group." Shine urges everyone from all backgrounds to come make life-long friends and unforgettable memories amidst Taiwan's breathtaking nature.
▲Shine (施含芸) and her team make a conscious effort to be inclusive: explaining trails in simple English, and encouraging breaks for snacks and socializing. From her perspective, the participation of international students is both encouraging and, at times, bittersweet.
"We often see international or exchange students pay the membership fee, but then only come a few times. I think it's not because they don't enjoy it—it's usually about challenges like not having enough time, not knowing about the latest events (as they are only posted on their Facebook page), or sometimes limited seating and time pressure,' Shine explained.
But one of the biggest barriers, Shine said, is language. The Hiking and Climbing Team regularly hosts lectures and workshops before major expeditions—sessions that feature moving speeches, safety guidance, or stories from experienced mountaineers. "Some of these talks are really emotional and inspiring," Shine reflected. "But because they are in Mandarin, international students often can't follow along." While a bilingual member might try to whisper translations, this can disrupt the flow of the event and lengthen the schedule.
Looking ahead, Shine believes there is potential for change. "Maybe in the future we can organize English lectures, or at least provide summaries," she suggested. That way, international students could enjoy not only the physical hikes but also the deeper cultural and emotional side of the club.
Challenges International Students Faces…
- Language barriers: Many clubs conduct meetings in Mandarin, making it daunting for newcomers. I suggest attending the tryout events with a local buddy (or even better making new friends right there and then!) —having a bilingual friend makes it easier to ask questions and understand commitments.
- Short exchange periods: For athletic sports, some competition based NCCU sports teams may require year-long commitment or require degree-seeking students in order to register for inter-school competitions. Exchange students may try joining sport clubs instead—requires less commitment and still get to enjoy the benefit of doing sports and socializing. Look out for one time events, especially outings, hiking, parties…
- Cultural differences: Many cultural differences surface when international students join local clubs—ranging from strict attendance expectations and senior–junior dynamics to Mandarin-only group chats or unfamiliar traditions. However, openness and communication are the best solutions.
Tips for Navigating the Club Fair:
- Use Social Media (LINE, Facebook, Instagram) – Most clubs run chat groups where updates, event details and sign up forms are posted, some regularly post them on their social media pages. Make sure to check them out to not miss their events!
- Sign up for tryout days – feel free to explore a couple that appeal to you before committing! Most tryout days are great opportunities to get an insight into the real dynamics of the club. Just go, grab some snacks and make friends!
- Ask questions – Club members are more than happy to answer any inquiries. It's possible to also reach out to the Office of Student Activities (OSA) and International Student Association (IA) where they guide students toward clubs suited to their interests.
A Fresh Start Together
As NCCU's Club Fair comes to a close, students carry tote bags filled with flyers, snacks, and maybe a few tentative sign-up slips. But more importantly, they carry the first sparks of community.
For international and exchange students, clubs are not just extracurriculars—they are bridges. They connect classroom learning to cultural understanding, and personal challenges to shared joys. Whether through a hike up Elephant Mountain, a late-night dance rehearsal, or a heartfelt conversation over tea after club meetings, these moments weave into the memory of studying abroad. I myself have been fortunate to find a group of friends from diverse backgrounds, all brought together by a shared passion. The meaningful exchanges and memories we've created through my extracurricular activities continue to inspire me during difficult times, making it possible for me to truly call NCCU my second home.
NCCU's Club Fair is more than an event—it's an invitation. An invitation to step into something new, to take risks, to connect across cultures, and to make this "fresh start" one filled with friendship, growth, and belonging.
Enjoy your one-of-a-kind NCCU experience!
