“We have always been the ones learning English from others. But once we develop strong English skills, we can also teach Chinese and share our culture with people around the world.” This became one of the most meaningful reflections from Grade 10 Pre-DP students at LUYA International School after participating in an international exchange program with students from George Westinghouse College Prep.

Centered on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3): Good Health and Well-being, the exchange program encouraged students to discuss health-related topics, daily habits, and mental well-being through online conversations, cultural sharing, and language exchange activities.

During the discussions, Taiwanese students not only practiced expressing their ideas in English, but also experienced the challenge of explaining Chinese meanings and cultural nuances to foreign students. They discovered that some seemingly simple modal expressions in Chinese—such as “can,” “should,” and “must”—carry subtle differences in tone, responsibility, and necessity. Without strong English proficiency and deep language understanding, it can be difficult to clearly explain these concepts across cultures.

Through this experience, students realized that language learning is far more than memorizing vocabulary and grammar. It is also about communication, critical thinking, and cultural understanding. The program allowed students to strengthen their English speaking skills while developing confidence in sharing Taiwanese perspectives with an international audience.

This international collaboration transformed students from language learners into cultural ambassadors, using language as a bridge to connect with the world.