【Article by International College of Innovation】

The annual experiential event  “One Day with ICI,” carefully organized by the Student Association of the International College of Innovation at National Chengchi University, took place on March 14. The event attracted more than fifty high school students from across Taiwan, who gathered at the College of Innovation International (ICI) for a one-day immersive exploration. Centered on hands-on experience, the program featured diverse interactive activities and interdisciplinary learning designs, guiding participants into ICI’s learning environment and offering a deeper understanding of its emphasis on interdisciplinary integration and global perspectives. Through active participation, high school students were encouraged to envision their future learning paths and potential development at ICI.

"One Day with ICI" aims to move beyond traditional admissions information sessions that primarily focus on delivering information. Instead, the event adopts an experiential approach, allowing students not only to “learn about” ICI but also to “experience” it through participation and interaction. From curriculum philosophy and learning atmosphere to faculty-student interaction and teamwork, the program was carefully structured and diverse, enabling participants to gain a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of ICI’s unique features within a single day.

The event began in the morning with ice-breaking activities. High school students from different cities and grade levels quickly became acquainted through a series of thoughtfully designed interactive games. The session was hosted by international ICI students Mina from Thailand and Luana from Paraguay, with ICI students serving as staff members. Through group collaboration and ice-breaking exercises, participants gradually built team rapport. The initially reserved atmosphere quickly turned lively, with laughter filling the classroom. Students from diverse backgrounds found common ground through interaction, creating a relaxed and open environment for the rest of the day’s activities.

At noon, a lunch session with faculty members was arranged, becoming one of the most anticipated highlights of the event. The gathering opened with welcome remarks from Dean Wen-Ling Tu, who shared ICI’s educational philosophy and vision while encouraging students to explore interdisciplinary learning opportunities. During the following hour, students engaged in small-group discussions with professors and senior students, covering topics such as curriculum flexibility, interdisciplinary learning experiences, international exchange opportunities, and future career development. Many participants noted that face-to-face conversations allowed them to gain firsthand insights and experience the close and open interaction between faculty and students at ICI.

Following the lunch session, participants had the opportunity to experience ICI’s learning approach firsthand. A featured segment included an in-depth lecture and discussion introducing ICI’s curriculum design and academic structure. Senior students shared their course experiences and research opportunities, while Associate Professor Hung-Ying Chen specially designed a two-hour class and group activities. Through real-world examples, participants gained a clearer understanding of how interdisciplinary learning is implemented in practice and reflected on their own future academic interests.

The subsequent team challenge, inspired by an escape-room format, required groups to solve puzzles under time pressure. The activity combined logical reasoning, creative thinking, and teamwork, allowing participants to experience ICI’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. It also highlighted the importance of communication, coordination, and task delegation within teams.

The event concluded with a reflection session and award presentation, bringing the day to a close amid applause and laughter. Through this experience, organizers hoped participants would leave not only with souvenirs but also with inspiration and motivation for their future academic journeys.

The Student Association of the International College of Innovation expressed that "One Day with ICI" is intended not only as a one-day experience but also as the beginning of a journey to explore the future. By introducing more students to ICI’s diverse and open learning environment, the organizers hope to encourage participants to pursue their ambitions and envision themselves becoming part of the ICI community.