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Faith_Megan_Taipei Jing Mei High_Dec 1st

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Faith_Megan_Taipei Jing Mei High_Dec 1st

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3rd day !  We started our day with a visit to Jing Mei Girls High School ! Their school campus's really huge as compared to here in TJ and this really amazed us ! We were shown a video on the introduction to the school and we learnt about the values they hold and the activities that are frequently held by the school. We were at first quite awkward when we saw our buddies welcoming us in front of their hall but after interacting with them, we got closer to them through the music exchange and handcraft activity :) We really love and miss our buddies and we learnt to be more outgoing towards others just like these girls towards us !!!

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our first impression about jingmei was very good. the campus was huge and the trees were very tall. we are amazed by the beautiful campus and the friendly students. from the chinese class we have exprienced, we both owe at the way the teacher taught their students, in tj lecture, we as students have very few chances to ask question adn clear our doubt about the notes immediately. but in taiwan, the teacher-students interaction consist the most of the lesson.

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Germerio_Preston_3rd Day in Taiwan_Dec 1st

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Germerio_Preston_3rd Day in Taiwan_Dec 1st

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Directly after our breakfast, we headed to Jing Mei Girls High School to begin the music exchange and immediately we were impressed by their band’s musical skill despite having players with relatively less experience. The size of their school was also very large and the architecture was different from what we saw in TJ. As we have lunch with the Taiwanese friends, we became a lot closer, and found that K-Pop is famous in Taiwan as well. We were impressed by the way our Taiwanese friends arrange plates, cutleries and food waste all separately after the meal, and found that the recycling in Taiwan is being done very well which we should learn from it. With Germerio being unable to speak chinese, it was slightly awkward to start the exchange but as we went to a chinese lesson where we were taught on how to create a poem, it was very fun and the students there seemed to be very nice.

Unfortunately, the exchange felt a little short and there was little time to get to know the school and its students. Regardless of that, the experience was very enriching and motivated us to improve ourselves further, from a character standpoint, and a musical standpoint while also giving us an idea of what to expect for the next 2 exchanges in the near future.

Then, we headed to the National Palace Museum where we were given a quick tour about the many treasures being put on display at the National Palace Museum, including the Jadeite Cabbage. We were also taught the significance of the dragon in chinese mythology, what the number of claws a dragon had on any piece of porcelain represented as well as the different ways of glazing said porcelain.

Throughout the day, we learnt more interpersonal skills talking to the students from Jing Mei Girls High School and realised we have more to learn about being more open and energetic. We also learnt about a lot of different interesting facts about chinese culture that we previously did not know. The day was very fruitful and fun, getting to know more about the local culture and more about the students and school.

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Jonathan_Yu Pei_ day3 exchange with Jing Mei Girls High School

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Jonathan_Yu Pei_ day3 exchange with Jing Mei Girls High School

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My first impression of the high school was that they have a much larger band than us, showing that more students in Taiwan focus on being all-rounded rather than being cooped up with studies. They excel in academics, yet it was apparent that they put much time and effort into the symphonic band. We have learnt from the exchange that the Taiwanese are very hospitable and love to shower their guests with extravagant gifts.

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When we first arrived at the school, we were greeted by an abundance of trees and greenery that towered over us. We felt that this was similar to our environment in TJ, as both schools have a lot of plants and greenery. The buddies that we were paired with were extremely warm and friendly, which instantly eliminated any form of awkwardness.

After watching their performance, we definitely felt that there was a certain level of discipline that they maintained, which is something we could definitely learn from. We were also given the opportunity to experience a chinese lesson with our buddies. The lesson was definitely inspiring for both of us!

We also learnt that their education system was also rather stressful, as they have six exams per year, and they all have to juggle between academics and band. Additionally, they are a marching band, which means a lot more responsibilities for them! We could definitely learn a lot from their time management skills :)

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Taipei Jing Mei Girls High School was quite different from TJC that we are used to as the buildings were rather run down and the school was extremely big. However, the students there were friendly enough to show us around and guide us and talk to us constantly to make us feel at home even in Taipei. The students were extremely polite and disciplined which showed the standard of education that they received in the school. Not only that, the percussionists held little performance for us in their own band room to show us their marching piece as we were not familiar with marching bands. It was exciting to see different kind of drums that made unique sound that fit into marching band

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Li Zhong_Zhi Hao_Jing Mei Girls High School Exchange_1 Dec

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Li Zhong_Zhi Hao_Jing Mei Girls High School Exchange_1 Dec

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When we arrived at Jing Mei Girls High School, we first noticed how big the school was compared to ours, with great tall trees that reached up very high, taller than even the buildings themselves. We were greeted by the school’s friendly teachers and staff, and when we later met with the students of the school, we were truly amazed by the students’ warm hospitality. They were incredibly welcoming, and very approachable, dispelling all of our fears of a very awkward school exchange with people that none of us knew in the slightest. It was, all in all, a very enriching experience that we have both taken a lot away from. Interacting with all the students there have really allowed us to have a better perspective on life and its challenges. We found out that on a daily basis, they actually have longer school hours on average, starting at about the same time as us, but ending at almost 5 p.m. everyday. And yet, they seem to enjoy their school life, and especially taking pride in their Marching Band. They were very excited in showing us videos of their performance, which really shows how mindset is truly what determines enjoyment in our everyday lives, and not necessarily, the uncontrollable aspects of our environment.

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Nhi_Zixuan_Jermaine_Taipei Jing Mei High_Dec 1st

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Nhi_Zixuan_Jermaine_Taipei Jing Mei High_Dec 1st

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For our third day, going to Taipei Jing Mei Girls High School was such a fun and fruitful experience. Our first impression was that the school campus is so huge, and the trees are really tall, making the whole area look more like a resort than a school. After the principal's introduction and power point slides, we knew much more about the school and its students. I was amused that they have chances to go to Africa for CIP, and that the school provides a lot of opportunities for its students to do do charity.

Jing Mei girls welcomed us with warmth and enthusiasm. Our buddies tried their best to make us feel comfortable despite the huge language gap. We were shy at first but soon started to interact more, especially during lunch time and the art lesson. We took many photos and selfies, and left good memory there. I was really moved to see that my buddy actually posted an Instagram photo of my gifts, showing how we became such good friends in a very short time. Nevertheless, it is a pity we may not see each other again since we are living in different countries.

The visit helped me to understand more about Taiwan school's curriculum (e.g. they still have to do P.E. despite the extremely cold weather...) and gained me an adorable friend.

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Our first impression of the school was that the students there studied in a very similar environment to ours back in TJ. Their campus was filled with lush greenery, much like a real botanical gardens, while at the same time still maintained the essence of their Chinese culture in their buildings. Also, the buddy system was a really effective way to get us to know the students there better, as compared to other schools in hindsight. The people there gave a really warm welcome to us, and it will be hard to forget our experiences there.
Furthermore, through the exchange, we learnt that lessons in Taiwan had a much lighter atmosphere. Teachers were much more bubbly, and students were less serious that those in back in Singapore, and were willing to learn. I feel that it would be great if we were to be able to bring this atmosphere and joy for learning back to our own lessons. We would also like to add on that the students there have SIX exams per school year. SIX EXAMS. We have 2-3 and are already dying. Yet they still can have such a cheerful attitude towards learning and we feel that that is something we should definitely hope to emulate back in Singapore.

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We started off the day with the musical exchange at Taipei Jing Mei girls high school, where we were allocated to our buddies and from there, we had a quick warm up and tuning before having combined. Immediately, I could feel that they were very well disciplined and also very talented in their instrument . After the musical exchange, we got a chance to sit through one of their lessons, writing a poem together with the help of the teacher (who was SUPER FRIENDLY AND EXPERIENCED) and the buddy. I must say, I was truly an unforgettable experience as I have never took part in anything like this in Singapore. Overall, it was a very meaningful day and really looking forward to the next day!

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Caiheng_Anjali_Tai Pei JingMei Girls High School_ 1st Dec

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Caiheng_Anjali_Tai Pei JingMei Girls High School_ 1st Dec

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Caiheng
1. Their school is a very good environment for study with many greenery. The students there are a bit shy but definitely are friendly
2. We learned how to write a poem. It is fairly interesting. And I knew about their daily routine and what they will do in their spare time from my buddy. But unfortunately we don't have much interaction their saxophone section.

Anjali
1. OMG BACK TO A GIRLS SCHOOL! This was the thought running in my head while we were going to the school. As someone who was in a girls' school for 10 years :--) l i was really excited to visit a girls' school. Not only that, it was the first school we were visiting in Taiwan so I was curious to learn about the teaching culture in Taiwan (especially whether they can speak English). My Buddy was super nice and could converse in english really well (I also used some Chinese with her hehe), I was so happy to meet her. Not only that, I found out that she and a few other Taiwan section mates were great K-pop fans like me, so i could fangirl with them like what i did back in Cedar, I felt very much at home it really loved the feeling of going back to a girls' school!

2. I saw the demure and petite side of girls (which is alien to me HAHA), it was nice to see this side of girls. I also saw the grateful side of the Taiwanese (they were very grateful for our gifts!) and the high side of my buddy (she was being high and screaming with me!)

Aww I really love and miss my buddy :)))))))))

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Jerome_JingYuan_ Tai Pei JingMei Girls High School_ 1st Dec

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Jerome_JingYuan_ Tai Pei JingMei Girls High School_ 1st Dec

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We had our First exchange with JingMei Girls High School! We were assigned a buddy and the first thing we noticed was that they were all so kind and welcoming! They prepared gifts for everyone! We had the privilege to perform together with them and apart from how amazing their performance skills are despite the little number for hours they have to practice, we also noticed that they are very discipline. No doubt coming from a marching band.

We also got to know more about their life as students in Taiwan. How they end school everyday at 5pm. Must be tiring! We got to sit through their warm up routine and we could then understand how they could achieve that level of playing in so little time.

Not only due to their conductor, who was very strict from what we observed. They had loads of discipline and they waste no time when it comes to practice. Making every minute count and efficient.

All in all the girls were all very kind and nice. They made us feel comfortable and it wasn't awkward for us. It's really an amazing experience to see how the students like over here. Giving us a different perspective as students from Singapore.

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Lance Wu_Ryan Chung_exchange at Jing Mei High_1st Dec 

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Lance Wu_Ryan Chung_exchange at Jing Mei High_1st Dec 

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Lance:
1. My first impression of the school was that it was huge and I was afraid I may get lost in the school compound. The school seemed to be very friendly and open despite the wet weather. The students also seemed quite warm and friendly which did help to break the awkward barrier between us and the students there.

2. The exchange helped shed light on the learning experience and environment that the Taiwanese students have and we also got exposed to the life of a typical student and gave me intangible cross cultural ties.

Ryan:
*Day 3*

1. My first impression if the Taipei Jing Mei Girls High School was that the campus was extremely beautiful.  The school was very neat and organised,  and the abundant greenery enhanced the school's beauty. The students there were very friendly and hospitable,  and tried their very best to find topics of interest to break the ice between us.

2. In the exchange,  we were given the opportunity to try out their lessons.  For me,  I learnt how to write a simple Chinese poem with nothing but a pen,  and a piece of paper with a picture on it. We were told to brainstorm words that we thought of from looking at the picture,  and using those words,  we wrote a short poem with the guidance of the teacher and our partners.

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Venedict_Keith_Taipei Jing Mei Girls High School_Dec 1st

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Venedict_Keith_Taipei Jing Mei Girls High School_Dec 1st

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We started out the day at Taipei Jing Mei Girls High School, where we were allocated a buddy for the exchange. Immediately, we could tell that the students were very courteous and disciplined as they offered to help us carry the instruments whenever they could, as well as kept very quiet during briefings. We had a short warm up before having combined together with the students. The students there all played with a lot of confidence as well as power which was definitely something TJCSB could pick up to help us play much better! Besides playing, we also learnt from the students how to be more outgoing and confident when talking to others, and we hope to apply the skills we learnt into our everyday life!

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1)         What was your first impression of the Taipei Jing Mei Girls High School and its students?

2)         Besides music/performance skills, what else did you learn from the exchange with the Taiwanese school?