International Interns Reap Lifetime Memories in Summer Camps at Eden Social Welfare Foundation
This July and August, a total of six inernational summer interns at Eden Social Welfare Foundation from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and France, joined an exciting series of summer programs in Taiwan with different service centers under the umbrella of Eden. Each one of them has expressed a great deal of progress and growth in his/her personal life as well as improved understanding and appreciation of lives different from which they used to know of when interviewed on his/her unique experience in Multicultural Camp for Children of Recent Immigrant Families in Taitung County (台東多元文化成長營) and Workshop on Gender and Relationships for Teenagers in Yilan County (宜蘭新移民二代青春期工作坊) both held by Eden in July 2013.
Let's hear from these talented young people of Taiwan descent, born and/or raised overseas and gifted with a big heart to serve Taiwan and the world, about their work with Eden this summer.
(Jerry Hu, 2013 Summer Intern at Eden Social Welfare Foundation, from Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada)
Participating in the Taitung Multiutural Camp as one of the student leaders had helped me raise my maturity level as well as developed adaptability skills. While interacting with kids, I realized that in order to understand and build a strong relationship with them, I had to think like them.
During this camp, I had the pleasure to work with the best team/ friends. We supported each other and became a family. These short 7 days had become a highlight of my Taiwan trip and I’ll treasure the memories we made together. (Click here for more stories of 2013 Summer Interns at Eden.)
The 8-days Taitung Multicultural Camp was absolutely one of the most extraordinary times that I've had in my life. Working with a group of talented and cheerful volunteers all around the world was utterly a mind-blowing and unforgettable experience. Throughout the camp, we implemented many activities such as games, morning dance, art craft making as well as a series of lessons introducing about different cultures. By sharing our own stories with the children, not only were we able to build strong connections with children, we also got a chance to listen to their thoughts, hopes and dreams. Their glowing eyes and pure smiles keep reminding myself not to lose the original aspiration and never give up on my dreams. (Click here for more stories of 2013 Summer Interns at Eden.)
Though I only spent a week with the students in Taitung, I was surprised by how much I grew to care for the students that I met. Though we differed in language, culture, and background, I learned that we are all the same at heart. They were still kids, and we were able to laugh and bond in the same way. Over the course of a week, I gradually learned how to love and care for them, as well as how to lead and teach them. Their impish smiles captured my heart; their determination impressed me; their knowledge surprised me. (Click here for more stories of 2013 Summer Interns at Eden.)
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Jerry is currently studying
business (accounting) at
University of British Columbia
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Participating in the Taitung Multiutural Camp as one of the student leaders had helped me raise my maturity level as well as developed adaptability skills. While interacting with kids, I realized that in order to understand and build a strong relationship with them, I had to think like them.
During this camp, I had the pleasure to work with the best team/ friends. We supported each other and became a family. These short 7 days had become a highlight of my Taiwan trip and I’ll treasure the memories we made together. (Click here for more stories of 2013 Summer Interns at Eden.)
(Michelle Chang, 2013 Summer Intern at Eden Social Welfare Foundation, from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia)
The 8-days Taitung Multicultural Camp was absolutely one of the most extraordinary times that I've had in my life. Working with a group of talented and cheerful volunteers all around the world was utterly a mind-blowing and unforgettable experience. Throughout the camp, we implemented many activities such as games, morning dance, art craft making as well as a series of lessons introducing about different cultures. By sharing our own stories with the children, not only were we able to build strong connections with children, we also got a chance to listen to their thoughts, hopes and dreams. Their glowing eyes and pure smiles keep reminding myself not to lose the original aspiration and never give up on my dreams. (Click here for more stories of 2013 Summer Interns at Eden.)
Michelle is currently pursuing Master of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Queensland.
(Tammy Lin, 2013 Summer Intern at Eden Social Welfare Foundation, from San Jose, California, U.S.A.)
Though I only spent a week with the students in Taitung, I was surprised by how much I grew to care for the students that I met. Though we differed in language, culture, and background, I learned that we are all the same at heart. They were still kids, and we were able to laugh and bond in the same way. Over the course of a week, I gradually learned how to love and care for them, as well as how to lead and teach them. Their impish smiles captured my heart; their determination impressed me; their knowledge surprised me. (Click here for more stories of 2013 Summer Interns at Eden.)
Tammy is currently studying Public Health at UC Berkeley.
(Valerie Ly, 2013 Summer Intern at Eden Social Welfare Foundation, from La Rochelle, France)
Being able to work with Eden Social Welfare Foundation has been an rewarding experience that I will never forget. During the summer camps in Taitung and Ilan, I really enjoyed to work and play with the local children and to make them discover my French culture; I wish I have bought and taught them something that is going to contribute to their lives no matter how tiny the influence might be. I also cherish the lifetime friendship I made with many local and international volunteers and interns from around the world. (Click here for more stories of 2013 Summer Interns at Eden.)
Valerie is currently a graduate student at MBA Tourism and Services Management with a focus on Hospitality Management at Groupe Sup de Co La Rochelle.
More stories of Eden's international summer interns this year will be featured in the next issue of Eden E-news.
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