2026-11-09
Mix Your Own Learning Journey! NCCU’s International College of Innovation Showcases Interdisciplinary Learning at the 2026 Baozhong Tea Festival
If your four-year university journey were a drink, what flavors would you choose? At National Chengchi University’s (NCCU) 2026 Baozhong Tea Festival, the International College of Innovation (ICI) and the ICI Student Association brought this idea to life through an interactive game inspired by the concept of creating a personalized drink. By transforming ICI’s curriculum structure into an engaging, hands-on experience, the activity invited high school students to explore their academic interests and potential learning pathways. Beyond the interactive booth, ICI Dean Kuang-Ta Lo and Dr. Chih-Yuan Yang also led in-depth information sessions, sharing insights into the college’s interdisciplinary approach to education and examples of its innovative courses. Together, these activities offered prospective students and their families a closer look at ICI’s distinctive curriculum and diverse learning opportunities.
One of the highlights of this year’s ICI booth was an interactive game creatively designed by the ICI Student Association. Using a drink as a metaphor for ICI’s curriculum, the game represented required courses as the base, the three academic tracks as different flavors, and electives, skill development, and extracurricular activities as additional ingredients. Each combination reflected how students can shape their own learning journeys according to their interests and aspirations. Through a fun ball-tossing activity and ingredient selection, participants gradually discovered how ICI’s curriculum is structured while exploring academic fields and potential career pathways that might interest them. By presenting the curriculum through a familiar and engaging concept, the game made its structure more accessible and highlighted ICI’s emphasis on self-directed exploration, flexible learning pathways, and interdisciplinary integration.
During the information sessions, Dean Kuang-Ta Lo and Dr. Chih-Yuan Yang introduced ICI’s interdisciplinary approach from the perspectives of educational philosophy and classroom practice. Dean Lo emphasized that many of today’s challenges involve knowledge and perspectives from multiple disciplines. In a rapidly changing world, interdisciplinary learning is not simply about acquiring knowledge across a wide range of subjects. Rather, it focuses on developing students’ abilities to integrate information, consider diverse perspectives, and solve complex problems, enabling them to apply what they have learned to real-world challenges.
To illustrate how interdisciplinary learning is put into practice, both faculty members shared examples from ICI’s courses. Drawing on the Global Health Governance course, Dean Lo explained how students take on the roles of representatives from different countries, conducting research, analyzing policies, presenting national positions, and engaging in discussions and negotiations. Through these activities, students learn to understand diverse perspectives while strengthening their communication, negotiation, and international collaboration skills.
Dr. Yang introduced Capstone: Negotiation Theatre of Offshore Wind Farm, a course that connects classroom learning with real-world social issues. Through simulated negotiations and theatrical performances, students explore the diverse perspectives and complex challenges surrounding offshore wind energy development. By engaging in role-playing and interactive discussions, they learn to analyze issues from multiple viewpoints, gain insights into industry practices, develop a deeper understanding of ongoing controversies, and explore potential pathways toward future agreements.
In addition to the interactive game and information sessions, ICI students played an essential role in connecting prospective students with the college. Coming from diverse national and academic backgrounds, they enthusiastically introduced visitors to ICI’s English-taught curriculum, international learning environment, and interdisciplinary approach. They also shared their personal experiences of discovering new interests and broadening their perspectives in a multicultural campus community. These face-to-face conversations helped prospective students and their families gain a clearer understanding of academic life at ICI while highlighting the confidence and communication skills students develop through cross-cultural engagement.
ICI also expressed its appreciation to the participating faculty members, the ICI Student Association, and all staff members for their dedication and support. Throughout the event, students remained enthusiastic in introducing the college to visitors. As in previous years, many continued welcoming and engaging with participants despite their voices growing hoarse after hours of sharing their experiences, demonstrating the energy, dedication, and enthusiasm of the ICI community.
Just as a drink can be customized with different flavors and ingredients, a university learning journey can take many forms. Through the creative activities and meaningful conversations at the Baozhong Tea Festival, ICI hopes to help more high school students and their families discover its distinctive curriculum and diverse academic pathways. Looking ahead, the college remains committed to advancing interdisciplinary education, empowering students to integrate knowledge across disciplines, pursue self-directed learning, and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds. By encouraging students to move beyond the boundaries of a single discipline, ICI aims to equip them with the open-mindedness, adaptability, and problem-solving skills needed to navigate future challenges and create their own possibilities through continuous exploration and practical experience.
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