A Week of Sailing, Culture, and Adventure: Welcoming Lycée International Français de Taipei Back to Taitung

This spring, we were delighted to welcome students from Lycée International Français de Taipei back to Taitung for the second consecutive year. The return of this energetic group of young adventurers has quickly become one of the highlights of our annual calendar. Once again, students traveled from Taipei to Taiwan's east coast to participate in a week of experiential learning, outdoor exploration, and cultural discovery.

This year's program was designed around a central theme: connecting students with the ocean, the land, and the cultures that have shaped Taitung for generations.

Learning Through Experience

At the heart of the program was the idea that some of the most meaningful education happens outside the classroom. Throughout the week, students participated in a variety of hands-on activities designed to encourage curiosity, teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. As with all of our programs for international schools, the focus was not simply on acquiring knowledge, but on learning through direct experience.

One of the highlights of the week was introducing students to the world of sailing. Through beginner-friendly sailing lessons, students learned how wind powers a boat, how to steer, and how to work together as a crew. For many participants, this was their first experience sailing. By the end of the program, students had gained a practical understanding of how sailors use the forces of nature to travel across the water, making sailing one of the most memorable components of the week.

The adventure continued on land as students worked together to build traditional bamboo rafts. Using natural materials and simple construction techniques, they learned firsthand how communities throughout history have used local resources to travel, fish, and explore coastal environments. The activity combined engineering, teamwork, and cultural learning, creating a memorable example of experiential education in action.

Music and Culture in Duli

Another highlight was a visit to Duli, where students participated in a unique musical experience with the Amis band Kakeng (Amis旮亙樂團) . Through music, storytelling, and cultural exchange, students gained a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultural traditions that make Taitung such a special place. These moments of connection helped students understand that travel is not only about visiting new places but also about learning from the people who call those places home.

Beach Games and Stargazing

No trip to Taitung would be complete without time spent enjoying the coast. Students took part in beach games and outdoor activities at Shanyuan Beach, where they explored the shoreline, worked together through challenges, and enjoyed the natural beauty of Taiwan's Pacific coast.

The week concluded with one of the most magical traditions of our camps: a beach bonfire beneath a sky full of stars. As the sun disappeared behind the mountains and the sounds of the ocean filled the evening air, students gathered around the fire to share stories, roast marshmallows, and reflect on the experiences they had shared throughout the week.

Why Taitung?

Taitung offers a unique environment for activities for schools, combining ocean, mountains, culture, and outdoor adventure in one destination. Programs like this demonstrate how experiential learning can complement traditional education by giving students opportunities to develop independence, resilience, communication skills, and cultural understanding.

For international schools seeking meaningful educational travel experiences, Taitung provides an ideal classroom without walls.

Bilingual Camps and Educational Programs

At our sailing school, we regularly host bilingual camps, educational travel programs, and custom-designed activities for local and international schools. Whether students are interested in sailing, cultural learning, environmental education, or outdoor adventure, we work with schools to create programs that combine fun with meaningful learning outcomes.

We look forward to welcoming Lycée International Français de Taipei back again next year—and to many more unforgettable adventures together on Taiwan's east coast!

To learn more about our experiential school activities, please contact us at info@taitungsailing.tw