Department of Information Technology

The Department of Education (DOE) joined hands with the Education Department of New Taipei City Government and Rotary International to organize the 2023 Explore Taiwan Cycling Camp. The program attracted 18 local students and 18 international students from 13 countries. 

The 36 participants started their journey at New Taipei City Government Plaza and traveled along the 923-kilometer route covering Zhunan, Kenting, Zhiben, Changbin, Jiaoxi. They finally reached the goal at the East Entrance Plaza of Taipei City Hall. 

Taipei City Government encourages students and faculty members of schools in Taipei to reach out beyond the city’s borders, and it also welcomes students from abroad to visit Taipei City. In addition to sending 25 local students to study overseas every year, private sector entities such as the Rotary International also play a role by linking international students with schools in Taipei for study exchanges, allowing local students to interact with their counterparts from abroad. 

At the welcoming ceremony at city hall, each camp participant received souvenirs bearing images of Taipei scenic spots and a commemorative photo of the respective students with Taipei 101 in the background. 

Chen Ying-ying, a participant from Taipei’s Xisong Senior High School, noted that the journey is challenging and that there was a point when the team faced a daunting slope and was about to give up, but thanks to encouragements from peers and teachers, they were able to overcome the obstacle. Gerrit, a student from Germany, remarked that he enjoyed the cycling camp and the opportunity to appreciate Taiwan’s mountains, seaside, and forests, as well as temples and great food.

DOE Senior Specialist Wu Chin-cheng pointed out that the international participants will share their experience of the cycling trip with friends and families back home, which will help boost the city’s profile and attract more people from abroad to visit Taipei for either travel or study.