《110-2 SA》Speed Dating Event: A night full of laughter, interaction and lots of good food

Written by Jan Souřezný

The Speed Date Night (閃電約會) had been held on Sunday, 20th of March, as a result of the students’ wish survey, to strengthen bonds between current students, meet new people, and (for some people) find a potential romantic relationship, which would also lead to a happier life and therefore better overall productivity. The original definition of the speed date is an organized social activity in which people seeking romantic relationships have a series of short conversations with potential partners to determine whether there is mutual interest in knowing others in a short period via asking questions. The Student Association of International Programs took the concept to the next level; the event's bottom line was to get closer to other classmates, tailoring the process to be less romantic and more casual - there was no gender-based segregation, romantic atmosphere, or typically romance-based questions. 

The main requirement of the SA for the event was the maximum comfort for everyone - the dating rounds were shorter than usual, students weren’t forced to speak in English if they share common mother language, and they could pick from 3 questions provided for every round with the alternative of discussing personal mind maps, which they prepared as an introduction activity, in case the questions would make them uncomfortable.

The event took place in 沾먹고마시고 (Mogomashigo) Korean Restaurant, which the kind owners agreed to provide only for us for the whole evening - the overall duration was slightly over 3 hours. The event did not comprise only of dating - there were three dating rounds in total for the whole evening, lasting no more than 30 minutes. Inbetween the dating rounds, the Student Association also organized two games for selected volunteers, which aimed for communication skills and the ability to react quickly and skillfully. Each game had one winner, who received a FamilyMart voucher.

Halfway through the event, all participants, including the SA members, alumni, and professor Ryan Brading, who attended the event, enjoyed a Korean food buffet dinner. The restaurant offered a wide variety of food and beverages, including a vegetarian version. 

A fun surprise was ready for the participants in the form of little challenges as an added value for the participants. It was fascinating and funny to deliver the answers only by whispering or maintaining eye contact with the colleague for 30 seconds!

The event ended at 9 pm, and participants left for home in a perfect mood, with new friends and a great experience. All participants confirmed that they enjoyed the night and are looking forward to more events the SA is planning for them.

We want to thank all participants for coming, as well as NSYSU alumni and Dr. Brading, for supporting the event. The big shout out certainly belongs to the 沾먹고마시고 Restaurant for providing the whole place for the event, preparing fantastic food, and giving the SA team the complete freedom of deciding about the restaurant arrangement, which would provide the highest convenience and comfort for this type of event.