Full Speed Ahead for the Year of the Horse: Creating a Warm and Welcoming International Campus at Cheng Shiu University

The 2026 Lunar New Year Celebration for Overseas Students at Cheng Shiu University (CSU) was held with great enthusiasm at the campus activity center. Under the theme “Full Speed Ahead, Connected by Heart at CSU,” the event blended Southeast Asian New Year traditions with Taiwanese festive customs. Nearly 300 faculty members and students from departments including electronics, information technology, hospitality, tourism, leisure, and mechanical engineering gathered to celebrate the spirit of reunion and blessings.

For overseas students far from home, the event was more than just a celebration—it served as an emotional connection and a sense of cultural belonging. It also reflected CSU’s commitment to fostering a “warm and caring campus” environment.

Cultural Diversity in Action: Deepening International Understanding through Festive Experiences

The event featured a variety of cultural activities, including spring couplet writing, creative lantern-making, and a fun “mystery box” challenge. These interactive experiences allowed students to engage with and better understand traditional Taiwanese culture.

In addition, the sharing of tangyuan (glutinous rice balls)—symbolizing reunion—further strengthened cultural exchange and emotional bonds among participants.

Such thoughtfully designed activities not only helped overseas students experience local traditions, but also promoted mutual understanding and respect among students of different nationalities, advancing campus internationalization and cultural inclusivity.

Team Spirit and Youthful Energy: Competitions that Unite the Campus

The highlight of the event came with the tug-of-war finals, “Pulling Mountains and Rivers,” and the “Galloping Horses” relay race, which energized the entire venue. Through these competitions, students demonstrated teamwork, vitality, and determination—symbolizing a bold and successful start to the new year.

The tug-of-war championship was ultimately won by Class A, First-Year Mechanical Engineering, with awards presented by CSU President Gong Rui-Zhang and Rong You-E, Secretary-General of the Overseas Community Affairs Council. Their presence underscored the strong collaboration between the University and the government in supporting overseas students.

Policy Support and Future Opportunities: Building a Friendly Environment for Overseas Students

Secretary-General Rong You-E noted that the government has recently relaxed regulations for overseas students seeking employment in Taiwan, expanding job categories and support measures to facilitate smoother transitions into the workforce.

These policy advancements not only enhance career opportunities for overseas students, but also align with CSU’s mission to cultivate global talent—helping students envision their future beyond academic study.

A Campus that Feels Like Home: Practicing Care and Inclusion

During the event, the University President and distinguished guests personally distributed Lunar New Year red envelopes, while a raffle featuring prizes such as suitcases, AirPods, and iPads added excitement and joy to the celebration.

Secretary-General Rong expressed special appreciation for the dedication of CSU’s administrative team and faculty, whose support enables overseas students to feel at home even while abroad—truly embodying the University’s student-centered educational philosophy.

Through such initiatives, Cheng Shiu University continues to build not only an international campus, but one defined by warmth, care, and a strong sense of belonging.