生活中心／綜合報導
在聖誕節前夕，一場充滿笑聲、美味與淚光的交換禮物活動，悄悄在醒吾科技大學上演。一群來自菲律賓與印尼、就讀資科系二年級的外籍生，在老師的引導下，將課堂化為溫暖的節慶現場，用親手製作的家鄉美食、真誠的祝福與彼此的陪伴，為異鄉求學的生活，寫下最柔軟的一頁。The English version of the report is below the Chinese version.
這是他們來台求學期間，第二次舉辦聖誕交換禮物。相較於去年的第一次，今年活動更加豐富，同學們主動分工，有人負責流程設計、有人籌備團康活動，更有人走進廚房，端出一道道記憶中的家鄉料理。熟悉的香氣在教室裡蔓延，圍坐分享的那一刻，不少學生紅了眼眶，直呼「這真的就是家的味道」。
活動現場除了美食，還安排禱告與競賽遊戲，氣氛時而安靜、時而沸騰。交換禮物時，每位送禮的同學，都必須說出選擇這份禮物的原因，被點名的那一刻，有人忍不住哽咽，也有人悄悄拭淚。真誠的話語，讓原本只是活動的一個環節，成為彼此心中難以忘懷的片段。
這門課程名為「活動設計與主持」，授課老師楊博喻巧妙結合節慶主題，讓學生從企劃、執行到控管預算與風險，實際操作一場完整活動。楊博喻表示，這是第二年與這群孩子一起過聖誕節，大一時就與他們約定，只要還有機會在隔年授課，就繼續交換禮物。今年更加入「家鄉味」元素，希望活動不只是好玩，而是能真正走進學生的生命經驗中。
「看到孩子們眼裡的笑與感動，也看到他們把課堂所學，真的用在生活裡，這才是學習最好的樣子。」楊博喻說。他也分享，多年來無論是外籍生或本國生，只要課程允許，幾乎都會在聖誕前夕一起交換禮物，讓學生在忙碌的校園生活中，多一次真實互動的機會。
本國學生吳云禎也特地盛裝參與活動。她表示，早就聽學長姐提過楊老師的課很特別，會有交換禮物的傳統，因此一直很期待能修到這門課。實際參與後，深刻感受到外籍生的熱情與活力，也讓平時各自忙碌的同學，有了更多交流與連結，「這種感覺真的很好。」
「台灣最美的風景是人」，在這場活動中有了具體的樣貌。透過一次次的陪伴與用心安排，外籍生在台灣不只學到專業，更累積了溫暖、安全與被接住的回憶。楊博喻也提到，曾有畢業多年的學生主動聯繫他，回憶當年一起交換禮物的點滴，並表達感謝。
來自菲律賓的班長法蒂瑪也分享了她心中最深的感動。她表示，籌辦並參與這次活動，是希望把聖誕節真正的精神帶給每一個人。「即使遠離家鄉，這場慶祝活動讓我們感受到溫暖、歸屬感與團結。透過分享喜悅與愛，我們真的體會到聖誕的意義。」
她也說，這些年來，看著班級一起走過困難與挑戰，彼此扶持、不曾孤單面對，早已像一家人一樣。準備過程雖然辛苦，但因為團隊合作與耐心，讓這場聖誕派對成為大家心中珍貴而快樂的回憶。對她而言，最大的收穫，是看見每個人都願意付出時間與心力，讓活動成功，「每一份付出，都代表著愛、尊重與團隊精神，這不只是一場慶祝，而是一段會被我們珍藏的溫暖記憶。」
今年的聖誕節，恰逢行憲紀念日連假。或許，也能像這群學生一樣，放慢腳步，與親友交換一份心意。在數位與網路高度連結的時代，重新找回面對面相聚的悸動，讓節慶不只存在於行事曆上，而是真正走進彼此的生活裡。
Christmas Away from Home, Warmth Close at Heart: International Students Share Food, Gifts, and Belonging in Taiwan
On the eve of Christmas, a heartwarming gift exchange filled with laughter, familiar aromas, and quiet tears took place at Hsing Wu University. A group of international students from the Philippines and Indonesia, currently in their second year of the Department of Information and Communication Technology, turned an ordinary classroom into a festive space full of warmth, connection, and shared memories.
This marked the second Christmas gift exchange since they began their studies in Taiwan. Compared to last year’s first celebration, this year’s event was richer in both content and emotion. Students voluntarily divided tasks—some designed the program flow, others led team-building games, while several prepared traditional dishes from their home countries. As the scent of familiar food filled the room, students gathered to share the meals together. Many were visibly moved, saying the food tasted just like home.
In addition to food, the event included prayers and interactive games. The atmosphere shifted between quiet reflection and joyful cheers. During the gift exchange, each student was asked to explain why they chose a particular gift for their classmate. As heartfelt words were shared, some students became emotional, wiping away tears as they listened.
The course, titled Event Design and Hosting, was taught by instructor Po-Yu Yang, who intentionally incorporated the Christmas theme into the curriculum. Students were guided through the entire process—from planning and execution to budget control and risk management—allowing them to experience what it takes to organize a real event. Yang explained that this was his second Christmas spent with this group of students. When they were freshmen, he promised that if he had the opportunity to teach them again the following year, they would celebrate Christmas together once more.
“Seeing the joy and emotion in their eyes, and watching them apply what they learned in class to real life—that is the true meaning of education,” Yang said. He added that over the years, he has continued this Christmas gift exchange tradition with both international and local students, giving them a chance to slow down and truly connect with one another.
Local student Yun-Zhen Wu also joined the event, dressing up for the occasion. She shared that she had heard from senior students that Professor Yang’s classes were special and that the Christmas gift exchange was something many students looked forward to. “University life is usually very busy, and everyone has their own schedule. This kind of activity brings us together and creates real interaction. It feels really meaningful,” she said.
Often described as “the most beautiful scenery in Taiwan,” the warmth of human connection was vividly present throughout the event. Through years of dedication, Yang has helped international students not only gain academic knowledge but also create lasting memories of kindness, safety, and belonging in Taiwan. He noted that some graduates still contact him years later, recalling the Christmas gift exchanges with gratitude.
Fatima, a student from the Philippines and the class president, shared her reflections on the event. She said she agreed to organize and participate in the celebration to bring the true spirit of Christmas to everyone. “Even though we were far from home, this celebration made us feel warmth, belonging, and togetherness. By sharing joy and love, we truly experienced the meaning of Christmas.”
She added that over the years, the class has grown closer by supporting one another through challenges and hardships, becoming more like a family than just classmates. Despite the difficulties in preparation, teamwork and patience made the event a joyful and meaningful memory. “My biggest takeaway was seeing everyone willingly give their time and effort. Every contribution reflected love, respect, and teamwork. This was more than a celebration—it was a memory we will always cherish.”
This year’s Christmas coincides with Taiwan’s Constitution Day holiday. Perhaps it is also a perfect opportunity for families and friends to exchange gifts and spend time together. In an era dominated by digital communication, moments of face-to-face connection may be the most precious gift of all.
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