MECC Taiwan Study Tour and Academic Exchange｜ 一场跨越海峡的学前教育寻光之旅

On 31 May 2026 to 6 June 2026, the faculty and students from the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education (MECC) program embarked on a seven-day educational visit and academic exchange in Taiwan. This study trip included visits to historical and cultural sites, unique preschools, indigenous community preschools, and universities, allowing for in-depth exchanges with Taiwanese educators. Through field observations, professional dialogues, and cultural experiences, the faculty and students gained a profound understanding of the developmental characteristics of Taiwan Early Childhood Education, while taking into concern the different aspects between education, culture, and child development across diverse educational settings.

Day 1｜The Beginning

Faculty and students from Singapore arrived in Taiwan and officially kicking off the seven-day study tour. Leaving their busy work and studies behind in Singapore, everyone gathered in a new place, embarking on this learning journey that blends education, culture, and friendship with great anticipation.

Day 2｜Learning about History and culture of Taiwan

Visit to the Wufeng Lin Family Mansion and Garden (Gongbaodi) and Lukang Old Street, the group learned about the historical and cultural development of Taiwan, and experienced traditional silk screen printing, feeling the humanistic values carried by heritage preservation, local culture, and traditional craftsmanship.

Day 3｜Visit to Taichung City Private Waseda Art Preschool

Visiting the Taichung Private Waseda Art Preschool allows us to gain a deep understanding of the educational philosophy that "the environment is the third teacher," as well as the curriculum practices of nature, art, and inclusive education. In the afternoon, we also visited the Taichung Green Museumbrary, exploring how reading environments support early childhood learning and autonomous exploration through the children reading spaces and rich resources for picture book.

Day 4｜Stepping into Indigenous Communities: Experiencing the Education and Culture

Visiting the Laiji Branch of Alishan Township Preschool in Chiayi County, we learned about the blending of different curriculum for different age group in Laiji Branch, the tribal culture, and nature-based curriculum that are integrated into preschool life. The children welcomed the visitors with songs and teach everyone about forest plants, allowing us to deeply experience the integration of preschool education in their daily life.

Day 5｜Reflection in Nature

Welcoming the sunrise during the peak hours on Alishan mountain, we also visited an organic tea garden to experience a lifestyle that harmonizes with nature. Immersing in the natural environment allowed us to experience the connection between humans and the land, while inspiring many to reflect on how we should respect the pace of individual child development and cherish the relationships between nature, human and life education.

Day 6｜Academic Exchange: Discussing the Future of Education

Visiting the Affiliated Preschool of the University of Taipei Experimental Elementary School, the group learned about their experiences in developing mixed-age teaching, learning area curriculum and inclusive education.

An academic exchange with the Master Programme in Department of Early Childhood Education at the University of Taipei was also conducted. Both school shared practical experiences, curriculum features and research outcomes of early childhood education in both Singapore and Taiwan. Through this exchange and dialogue session, both schools have expanded their perspectives and deepened professional collaboration.

Day 7｜Bidding Goodbye

Filled with insights and reflections, the faculty and student returned to Singapore safely with the successful conclusion of this exchange trip, leaving the team inspired for the future chapters of their educational journey.

From historical and cultural heritage to indigenous community education, from preschool curriculum practices to University Academic Exchanges, every stop of the seven-day Taiwan study tour brought new learning and inspiration. Through cross-regional and cross-cultural learning and exchange, the faculty and student not only gained a profound understanding of the developmental characteristics of Taiwan's early childhood education, but also further contemplated the connections between education, culture, community, and child development. Looking ahead, MECC programme will continue to promote international exchanges and professional collaborations, cultivating early childhood education professionals who possess a global perspective, professional competence, and a strong sense of educational mission, thereby jointly promoting the professional development of early childhood education in the region.