What Parami students took away from Taiwan Summer University Program 2026

From July 26 to August 07, 14 Parami University students traveled to Taiwan to participate in the two-week-long Taiwan Summer University Program 2026, hosted by Parami University's partner institution, National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU). This program is organized by Parami University in collaboration with NSYSU, the Rotary Club of Taipei Social Enterprise, and Youth Hope Foundation. This year, the program is centered on the theme “Uncertainties and Challenges in a Changing World” to explore several topics, including democracy, education, migration, identity, community resilience, and artificial intelligence through lectures, workshops, field visits, academic exchanges, and cultural activities. 

Learning Beyond the Classroom

During the program, the students had the opportunity to learn not only in the classroom, but also in the communities, professional workplaces, and guest speaker sessions. 

For Tar Rein Thway, Class of 2026, visiting KPMG Taiwan was the highlight of the trip. He said, “At KPMG, we got to learn about their projects, progress in integrating AI in the justice system, and effective leadership. Seeing how a global organization like this operates and what they look for in  leadership left me feeling both inspired and humbled at the same time.” 

Connecting through Conversations

While lectures and workshops provided important learning opportunities, some of the meaningful experiences happened through conversations with people whose experiences brought academic questions to life. 

Khin Thazin Soe, Class of 2028, said one of the most memorable experiences in the program was an academic exchange session at the National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University. “At that session, we talked about pursuing higher education amid displacement, conflict, and political uncertainty. When we shared our experiences, we understood each other through our lived experiences, and it was a very emotional experience,” said Khin. 

Beyond academic sessions, the program gave Parami students space to share experiences and build deeper connections. 

Htet Myat Phone Naing (Simon), Class of 2027, added that “Among Parami students, we talked about life before and after Parami and how transformative Parami University is in understanding the world around us, and we connected more deeply through these conversations.” 

For students, it was more than an academic discussion; it was a chance to connect with people with similar experiences whose lives are affected by migration and political uncertainties. 

Seeing Taiwan, Thinking of Myanmar

While visiting the Sunlight Xiaolin Community in Kaohsiung, the students learned about how the indigenous community rebuilt their lives and cultural identity after Typhoon Morakot devastated the Xiaolin village in 2009. After the disaster, many residents in the village identify with the Taivoan people, one of Taiwan’s Pingpu Indigenous groups. Through storytelling, traditional crafts, music, rituals, and food, the community continues to preserve their cultural heritage. 

Hsu Wutt Hmone Toe, Class of 2027, said, “I was so moved by how hard the community is working to preserve their culture and identity. We also participated in their traditional dance and listened to their music. Although I don’t understand the language, I can feel the emotions and the strong sense of community through their music.”

Khin shared, “I find it very powerful to see how the community is still revitalizing their culture even after many years. I wish there is also this kind of strong support in Myanmar for communities to preserve our own culture after getting affected by natural disasters.”

For Simon, this made him think of the indigenous people back in Myanmar, their culture and how important it is to make their voices heard. 

Bringing Home New Perspectives

The process of looking outward and then returning to one’s own context with new perspectives is one of the expected outcomes of this program. 

Dr. Dan Wessner, Director of University Partnerships and Engagement, shared, “The most important thing that our students will gain in this program is perspective and hope — not just abstract hope, but something really well grounded. If they are thinking concretely, critically, and talking honestly with each other, they will be addressing super important questions.”

As the program concluded, students also returned home with enhanced foundational value, deeper appreciation of their own identities, and greater awareness of different perspectives.

Khin summarized what she learned from the program: “Your actions represent you. Your actions speak louder than your words.”

For Simon, one of the key takeaways from this program is the importance of networking in personal and professional life, along with how to network in a professional workplace.

Finally, Tar Rein reflected, “I learned to be more empathetic. Instead of judging people, I try to understand their views and where they are coming from. After the program, I’m reminded of my favorite quote by Miyamoto Musashi that goes, “Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world. ”