【Article by International College of Innovation】
In an era marked by unprecedented global migration, the "Migration 101" course offered by the International College of Innovation seeks to address critical questions surrounding migration. Delving into topics such as the motivations behind migration, the indispensable role of migrant labor, and the problems and struggles faced by migrants, this course provides students with an in-depth comprehension of the complex issues surrounding migration. It does so by introducing immersive and interactive games and activities to the students. An example of the mentioned above is the Migrant Worker's Life Board Game brought to us by 1095 Taiwan.

In the fourth week of the ongoing semester (10/07), Professor Tzu-Chi Ou invited representatives from the organization "1095" based in Taichung, Taiwan. These representatives presented a board game that they had designed, offering a new perspective into the lives of migrant workers in Taiwan. Through this immersive experience, students assumed the roles of four migrant workers from Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and The Philippines, gaining invaluable insights into the challenges these individuals face.

This innovative board game simulation allowed participants to explore the various issues and obstacles that migrant workers typically encounter on their journey to Taiwan. These included fraudulent practices, scams, and the difficulties they face in their daily lives, including communication barriers and the threat of exploitation by unscrupulous brokers.

1095 is an organization founded in Taichung in 2015, and its name carries a symbolic significance. It references the sum of three years, denoting the time frame when many migrant workers must return to their home countries due to past regulations. The organization's name also features a comma, meaning that the journey continues. 1095 is dedicated to raising awareness among Taiwanese citizens about migrant workers through educational and cultural initiatives, as well as advocating for the human rights of Southeast Asian migrant workers in Taiwan.

Before gameplay starts, participants are provided with an introduction to each character's background and the motivations behind their decision to work in Taiwan. The game unfolds before their arrival in Taiwan and concludes after six rounds, at which point players must calculate their points and remaining debts. Each set of points corresponds to a specific ending, each of which is based on real-life situations that have happened to migrant workers in Taiwan.

The game outcomes vary from the winners, having saved enough money to return home and achieve their dreams, to the less fortunate who struggle to pay off their debts. Tragically, the worst-case scenario mirrors the sad reality faced by many migrant workers: death.

To conclude the game, students were tasked with writing a letter to their family from the perspective of the character they role-played during the game. These letters, shared in the classroom, left a deep impact on every participant. Phrases like "I'm sorry; I don't think I'll be able to go back home in the future," "I'm very happy because I got to meet a lot of friends," and "I'm really tired, but I'll soon be able to save enough money to go back home to you" resonated deeply, emphasizing the sacrifices and challenges that migrant workers face in their pursuit of a better life.

So far, this course has provided students with a profound understanding of the lives of migrant workers in Taiwan, highlighting the significance of comprehending the issues they confront and advocating for their rights. It is a good example of how experiential learning can encourage empathy and social responsibility among future leaders.

Sol Ledesma
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