The College of Social Sciences (CSS) is the largest college at National Chengchi University, frequently hosting diverse international academic events. Students enrolled in CSS’s International Master’s Program in Asia-Pacific Studies (IMAS) thus have the unique opportunity to engage with scholars from around the world. These interactions often occur during lunchtime, allowing IMAS students to savor a variety of cuisines while studying hard on campus.
When four scholars from Fulbright University in Vietnam (FUV) visited, IMAS students indulged in Sichuan dishes such as Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, Stir-Fried Beef with Scallions, and Fish-Fragrant Eggplant. During the visit of faculty and students from the Graduate School of Public Administration at the National Institute of Development Administration in Thailand (NIDA), IMAS students sampled seafood like sautéed prawns and fried squid, along with Thai-style roasted chicken and Taiwanese Three-Cup Chicken, offering participants a taste of different flavors from Taiwan and Thailand. For the arrival of six scholars from Indonesia’s Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University, considering dietary restrictions and the fact that many students had classes afterward, vegetarian lunchboxes were provided.
However, not every academic exchange involves a proper meal; sometimes, there are different styles of meals as well. When Professor Henning Klöter from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin delivered an afternoon lecture, students enjoyed afternoon tea snacks. In the most recent visit by Dafydd Fell from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, his lecture was scheduled for noon. Since many students had classes in the early afternoon, they enjoyed a lunch of Long Sushi. Later that evening, after classes, students gathered in front of a Taoist temple for a cultural immersion event. Although roast pig was the featured indigenous meal, considering various dietary restrictions, IMAS also prepared chicken, and fish, along with sweet potatoes, bell peppers, bamboo shoots, and bamboo tube rice. Professor Dafydd Fell was the first to taste the pork, and Mrs. Fell was the first to try bamboo tube rice.
While most students can savor diverse cuisine in IMAS, second-year Israeli student Itamar Baum is an exception. He is currently in Gaza, relying on his military MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) every day. He fondly reminisces about the crocodile meat he enjoyed at the 2023 School Anniversary BBQ. IMAS sincerely wishes him safety and looks forward to his return, hoping he can resume his studies with enthusiasm while once again enjoying our diverse food offerings.
