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The 2026 Taoyuan International Student Festival brought a vibrant celebration of cultures to National Central University (NCU) on November 1. Under the theme “One City, One World,” the festival brought together young people from more than 20 countries, with over 300 local and international students enthusiastically taking part. From international cuisine and cultural experiences to live performances and friendly competitions, the campus came alive with laughter, energy, and new friendships that transcended borders.
Organized by the Department of Youth Affairs of the Taoyuan City Government and co-organized by NCU, the festival welcomed distinguished guests, including Taoyuan Deputy Mayor Ming-Chu Wang, Director-General of the Department of Youth Affairs Chia-Ling Hou, the Ambassador of the Republic of Paraguay to Taiwan, the First Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Palau in Taiwan, and Representatives of the India Taipei Association. NCU Vice President Chi-Hung Juan extended a warm welcome to students and guests from around the world.
Vice President Juan noted that NCU is currently home to more than 1,000 international students. He emphasized that internationalization goes beyond academic partnerships and student mobility; at its heart, it is about human connections, mutual understanding, and friendships across cultures. NCU remains committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and caring international campus where students from different backgrounds can not only learn together, but also share laughter, create lasting memories, and build friendships that extend far beyond Taiwan.
One of the festival's biggest highlights was the 20 cultural booths organized by NCU's international students themselves. Representing countries including France, Belgium, Myanmar, Malaysia, Canada, Sweden, Thailand, and Peru, students became enthusiastic cultural ambassadors, sharing traditional foods, customs, and interactive experiences from their home countries. The air was filled with laughter and conversations in different languages, as visitors discovered not only flavors from around the world but also opportunities to make new international friends.
The stage performances were equally captivating. The Indonesian Student Association brought the charm of Indonesian folk music to life through an energetic live band performance. The Vietnamese Student Association delighted the audience with a creative medley of traditional songs, while the Indian Student Association showcased the elegance and artistry of Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form. Together, these performances offered a colorful celebration of cultural heritage, creativity, and the incredible talents of NCU's international students.
Behind this joyful international celebration was the dedication and teamwork of NCU's Office of International Affairs (OIA) and its international student community. Planning began as early as May, with OIA staff and students working hand in hand on everything from interdepartmental coordination and venue arrangements to student engagement and cultural booth preparations. Through their shared efforts, the festival became much more than a successful event.
For the Office of International Affairs, the most rewarding outcome was seeing international students grow from event participants into active partners in bringing the celebration to life. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and sense of ownership helped transform the festival into a meaningful experience where international students could feel a stronger sense of belonging far from home, while Taiwanese students had the opportunity to connect with the world and build friendships across borders.
