《114-1 SA Event》Walk Through Hamasen, Connect Over Shaved Ice

On September 17, 2025, the 114-1 Students Association of International Programs brought together new and returning students from the IBMBA and GHRM programs for an energetic day of history exploration, cultural exchange, and—of course—

This year’s event began with a special Hamasen Walking Tour led by SA Vice President Sam, who used his personal walking-tour experience to guide participants through the neighborhood with a storytelling, interactive approach. Sam’s narrative introduced students to Taiwan’s history, Kaohsiung’s urban development, and the origins of the Hamasen area in a compact, engaging way. Despite the warm weather, attendees remained highly engaged—listening closely, asking questions, and responding enthusiastically throughout the tour.

After the tour, the group gathered at the shaved-Ice place. Organizers broke participants into mixed teams to encourage cross-cultural conversation: each group deliberately included both local Taiwanese and international students. To help international students learn local vocabulary and ingredients, every team card listed common shaved-ice toppings in English along with their Chinese pinyin. This small design choice turned a simple dessert into a practical lesson in Taiwanese food culture.

This year’s event began with a special Hamasen Walking Tour led by SA Vice President Sam, who used his personal walking-tour experience to guide participants through the neighborhood with a storytelling, interactive approach. Sam’s narrative introduced students to Taiwan’s history, Kaohsiung’s urban development, and the origins of the Hamasen area in a compact, engaging way. Despite the warm weather, attendees remained highly engaged—listening closely, asking questions, and responding enthusiastically throughout the tour.

After the tour, the group gathered at the shaved-Ice place. Organizers broke participants into mixed teams to encourage cross-cultural conversation: each group deliberately included both local Taiwanese and international students. To help international students learn local vocabulary and ingredients, every team card listed common shaved-ice toppings in English along with their Chinese pinyin. This small design choice turned a simple dessert into a practical lesson in Taiwanese food culture.

The highlight of the afternoon was the shaved ice buffet experience. Students enjoyed creating their own bowls of shaved ice, just like a DIY dessert bar. A wide variety of toppings was provided, featuring five of Taiwan’s most popular fruits—mango, watermelon, pineapple, cantaloupe, and honeydew—alongside classic shaved-ice toppings such as boba pearls, taro balls, jelly cake, red beans, brown sugar syrup, and condensed milk. The process was not only fun and refreshing but also interactive: Taiwanese students introduced the ingredients to their international peers, sharing their personal favorites and cultural stories behind the toppings. This exchange turned the simple act of making dessert into a lively moment of cultural sharing and friendship- building.

Team bonding continued with a second round of social games that promoted communication and cooperation. The activities were lively and playful, and at the end of the day the team with the highest score received a custom Taiwanese Good Luck Snack “Guai-Guai” wreath — a lighthearted prize symbolizing teamwork and the continuation of cultural sharing through local treats.

The event successfully combined cultural education, community building, and fun. Organizers would like to thank all the students who participated and contributed their energy and curiosity. The Students Association looks forward to hosting more opportunities where food, history, and friendship come together to welcome new members into our community.