A Spectacular European Cultural Journey: 2024 TMU European Culture Festival

Organized by the Office of Global Engagement (OGE) of Taipei Medical University (TMU), the “2024 TMU European Cultural Festival” series of events started from April 26th to May 3rd at TMU Xinyi Campus.

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Aiming to promote glocalization and enhance multicultural exchange and understanding, OGE has prepared a series of cultural speeches, a European food and craft fair, movie nights, and performances from TMU student clubs. The festival successfully infused TMU with a new international cultural atmosphere while showcasing the diverse culture unique to TMU, achieving a bilateral exchange of cultures.

The festival began with a series of enriching speeches, totaling five sessions. First was “Spanish Culture, at a Glance” presented by Mr. Eduardo Euna Aldape, Director General of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, which offered insights into Spain’s maritime history, literature, and artistic classics. Following was Mr. Lex Kaufhold, Executive Director of the Luxembourg Trade and Investment Office Taipei, with a speech on “Build Your Research Career at the Heart of Europe – Luxembourg,” delving into academic exchange and research opportunities in Luxembourg. Then, Mr. Stefan-Eric Hutter, Deputy Director of the Trade Office of Swiss Industries, talked about “Higher Education in Switzerland,” detailing Switzerland’s education system and study opportunities. Next, Regina Kovács, Investment and Trade Assistant of the Hungarian Trade Office, along with students, shared their experiences of studying in Hungary and its culture in “Exploring Hungary: A Journey of Culture and History.” Lastly, Hsin-Hong Tseng, the representatives from the Campus France in Taiwan, and Laurent Vergain, the Director of Alliance Française De Taiwan, presented “More than Just Romance – Studying in France, Expanding International Comfort Zones,” offering practical advice on studying in France, including the education system, scholarship opportunities, French language exams, and career development.

In addition to the insightful lectures, a two-day European fair held at TMU Square, along with a grand opening ceremony held on April 30th. TMU President Mai Szu Wu, Executive Vice President of International Affairs Luisa Shu-Ying Chang, and Dean of OGE Jane Chao, with a focus on “understanding and appreciating cultural diversity,” wished the event success and hoped it would initiate a ripple effect of multiculturalism on TMU’s campus in the future. Several representatives from Spain, Hungary, and France in Taiwan also graced the ceremony while a Spanish chef from El Marqués restaurant showcased the famous Spanish cuisine, paella, with the audience, providing chances to taste authentic Spanish cuisine. The event also included exciting performances by TMU Guitar Club and TMU Hip-hop, adding color to the opening ceremony. The fair showcased foods and specialty products from various European countries along with European cultural games, providing participants with a comprehensive experience of European charm.

Furthermore, the festival organized a series of film screenings. The opening featured the Venice Film Festival Golden Lion-winning film “Happening,” followed by a discussion with students moderated by Ms. Cécile Renault, Director of Service for Cooperation and Cultural Action at the French Office in Taipei, stimulating deep reflection on issues of women’s bodily autonomy. The following evening, a film adaptation of the stage play “Father” was screened as an open-air movie, exploring profound reflections on the challenges faced by caregivers of dementia patients. Through these film activities, participants gained a deeper understanding of important issues being discussed in the European region.

The vibrancy and enrichment of the 2024 TMU European Cultural Festival allowed faculty and students to deepen their understanding of European culture while laying a solid foundation for future international exchanges and collaborations.