YOGYAKARTA – Learning a foreign language does not always have to begin with textbooks and classrooms. This was the experience of Shang Narendra, a 2022 student of Arabic Literature at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), who became the university’s sole representative in the 2026 Mandarin Summer Camp Short Term Study Program in Taiwan. The program, subsidized by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, was held at Da Yeh University (大葉大學) in Changhua, Taiwan, from July 22 to August 4, 2026.

Organized through the Official Taiwan Education Center Indonesia in collaboration with universities in Taiwan, the program brought together international students to learn Mandarin while gaining firsthand exposure to Taiwanese culture. For Shang Narendra, who is often called Adam, the opportunity stemmed from his desire to learn a foreign language directly in an environment where it is spoken. As an Arabic Literature student, he is accustomed to viewing language not only through its structure and vocabulary but also through the culture, society, and context in which it is used.

During the program, participants attended Mandarin classes in the morning and took part in various cultural activities in the afternoon. Upon arriving at Da Yeh University, participants first took the Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL) to assess their Mandarin proficiency and determine their class placement. Classroom learning was complemented by hands-on activities, including cooking, handicrafts, aromatherapy, fabric painting, traditional Chinese calligraphy, and making a Taiwanese-style mosquito repellent spray.

The cross-cultural experience also extended into everyday life in the dormitory. Participants from different universities and countries lived together, creating opportunities to communicate in various languages, particularly English and Mandarin. Adam occasionally used Google Translate when language barriers interrupted conversations. He also interacted directly with local residents while purchasing daily necessities. Through these experiences, he learned that the courage to communicate and the ability to adapt can be just as important as mastering grammar.

One of Adam’s most memorable experiences was the final project, which involved a role-play performed with a group of six students from different backgrounds. Within a relatively short period, Adam and his group members had to use Mandarin to discuss ideas, divide tasks, and prepare their performance. The program also took participants to Sun Moon Lake in Nantou, giving them an opportunity to explore another side of Taiwan beyond the university campus.

For Adam, learning Mandarin in Taiwan also broadened his perspective as an Arabic Literature student. He came to see more clearly that language learning cannot be separated from the culture and society of its speakers. The experience also strengthened his listening and speaking skills, contextual understanding, and ability to adapt to a new environment. Learning another language gave him a new perspective on understanding Arabic more broadly, beyond the theories he studies in the classroom.

The summer course also provided Adam with an opportunity to step outside his comfort zone. He found that students of Arabic Literature can explore other languages and cultures without leaving behind the field they are studying. By becoming familiar with more languages and societies, students can gain new perspectives on Arabic while preparing themselves to communicate and engage in increasingly multicultural environments.

Author : Indana Zulfa Maulida