by Jennifer, Project student
Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages' University Social Responsibility Practice Program, “OUR TOWN Community Sustainable Cross-Domain Collaborative Platform Project”, in collaboration with Kaohsiung Municipal Tsoying Senior High School's "Hands Together Project”, conducted a demonstration of local cultural English-language guided tours and provided training on tour guiding skills and script construction on April 13th. Led by project managers Ms. Lu Mei-Fei, Mr. Lin Yicheng, and Mr. Gong Shu-Yong, the training was conducted for first and second-year students of Tsoying Senior High School, along with their supervising teacher, Ms. Hong Qin-Ai. This activity, conducted entirely in English, not only showcased the rich cultural heritage of Zouying, but also provided an excellent platform for students to practice language skills in a real-life setting.
At the beginning of the event, project manager Mr. Gong Shu-Yong, utilizing his profound historical knowledge and expertise in foreign languages, introduced the historical landmarks of Fengshan Old Town and Zouying to the participants. Starting from the ancient and storied "East Gate (Fongyi Gate)," the tour proceeded along the " City Wall Historic Route," delving deep into the unique architectural styles of various historical sites and the indelible traces of historical battles. Throughout the tour, he emphasized the fusion and comparison of Eastern and Western cultures, continuously encouraging participants to share their local history and culture from their own cultural perspectives, with the hope of successfully conveying Taiwan's rich history and culture to foreign tourists and travelers.
Subsequently, Mr. Gong personally guided the training on tour guiding skills and script construction. Participants were divided into five groups, each focusing on in-depth discussions of the cultural heritage of the old city area and military dependents' villages. With the assistance of Ms. Lu and Mr. Lin, each group explored how to effectively convey lesser-known cultural stories and rich historical backgrounds through interactive discussions. At the end of the activity, the three teachers provided professional feedback and suggestions on the participants' scripts, helping them improve from a professional perspective and ensuring that they could absorb and reflect on what they had learned. This significantly strengthened the participants' professional English language skills and provided them with a platform to showcase their own culture, thereby effectively promoting their potential to become future international tour guides.
This cross-disciplinary cooperation activity, conducted by three teachers in collaboration with Tsoying Senior High School, is aimed at conducting guided tours and training, implementing local education, and nurturing cross-school talent. The “OUR TOWN Community Sustainable Cross-Domain Collaborative Platform Project” is dedicated to enhancing local connections through various lectures and activities, carrying out talent cultivation, and promote regional revitalization. This activity marks the first phase of the project's training, with the second phase scheduled for June 2nd, where Tsoying Senior High School students will be divided into two groups to conduct English-guided tour simulations and exercises focusing on the humanistic aspects of the old city and the historical and cultural impact of military dependents' villages.
Manager Gong Shu-Yong gave on-the-spot tour commentary
Manager Gong Shu-Yong gave on-the-spot tour commentary
Students conduct group discussions
Group photo of lecturers, planning team teachers and students
