Wednesday - May 4: Asia University

Asia University

When we pulled up to the library steps at Asia University (AU) we were greeted by an enthusiastic group of students. I find it difficult to think of this environment as a young campus. Founded just 9 years ago, they offer 6 colleges, 25 master degree programs, and 5 PhD programs. The architectural style and grandeur of the campus could help thrust AU into the ranks of world-class university. However, it has an excellent academic performance that will help attract the best talent to attend and teach at AU. The evaluations conducted by the Ministry of Education (MOE) provide quantitative data on the departmental performance. MOE selected AU as a model university for moral and physical internationalization. With the help of the Internet, AU has become part of a global community that is developing programs aimed at helping the learning and career needs of individual students.

We were introduced to the students and given a lunchbox.
Inside was a great selection of treats.




Best described by the vision on the packaging --

We met in small groups and learned about their traditional cultures. Spinning tops is a Chinese folk art that dates back 1,000 years. As we worked on decorating our tops, we learned that the more colorful the better the top would look while spinning. We also learned that music is also an art that connects people. Students from AU and UM-Flint shared common tastes in music and also we introduced each other to our own favorites. We the raced our tops to see who could keep their top spinning the longest. Jay and Monica were the King and Queen of Tops!

We toured the campus and learned that in their rose garden was a rock from the earthquake. As we walked, we saw a pig roasting over a wood fire. We were told it was for a dinner. All of these things, could also be found in the U.S. - well except having the oldest rock from a prior earthquake. So once again, while there are cultural differences, there are also many similarities.

For more information visit:

http://www.asia.edu.tw/Main_pages/English_Pages/yard/index_yard.

http://www.chinatownconnection.com/chinese_folk_customs.htm