Overview:
Taiwan Youth Ambassadors wrapped up a two-week visit to Palau with new friendships, cultural experiences and a deeper appreciation for Palauan communities, traditions and natural beauty. From conversations with elders and students to exploring the Rock Islands and local trails, the young visitors say the people and hospitality of Palau made the exchange especially memorable.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
KOROR, Palau — “I got to meet with some elderly at the old age center and got to spend some time with them. Hearing their stories was so inspiring.”
For Taiwanese youth ambassador Corayne, those conversations with Palau’s elders were among the experiences that made a two-week cultural exchange in Palau memorable.
“I love it so much in Palau, such a beautiful place, and I got to experience a lot staying here for our two-week visit,” Corayne said.
The Taiwan Youth Ambassadors delegation concluded its two-week visit to Palau this week after meeting government officials, students, educators, community leaders and elders and taking part in cultural and community activities designed to strengthen people-to-people ties between Taiwan and Palau.
The program brings young Taiwanese overseas to share their culture and perspectives while learning firsthand about the people, environment, traditions and way of life of their host communities.
For the ambassadors, the visit provided a chance to experience Palau beyond formal meetings.
Their itinerary included a visit to the Rock Islands, hikes along Koror State and Airai State trails, a visit to the Taiwan Technical Mission’s farm and time aboard the Aligano Maisu.
The Rock Islands were a particular highlight for Corayne.
“Going to the Rock Islands was so much fun,” she said, adding that she was impressed by the hospitality of Palauans.
“People are so hospitable, people are very nice,” Corayne said.
Alma, another ambassador, said she was surprised by how quickly the two-week visit passed.
“Palau is so beautiful. I had so much fun being here, and I can’t believe two weeks flew by so fast,” Alma said.
She said the experience made her want to return.
“I definitely want to come back to Palau and visit,” Alma said. “Palau is so beautiful, and people are so hospitable.”
During their stay, the ambassadors met with Minister Tmetuchl, Minister Steven Victor, Dr. Dale J. Jenkins and Governor Henaro Polloi.
They also met teachers and students in Melekeok, Palau Community College students, volleyball federation students and youth leaders Kenley and Bubbles of Reng Collective.
The delegation visited a local senior center, where the young Taiwanese spent time with elders and listened to their stories.
Those conversations offered the ambassadors an opportunity to learn about Palau through the experiences of its older generations, while also creating a personal connection between visitors and community members.
The delegation also visited the Taiwan Technical Mission’s agricultural project, giving the ambassadors an opportunity to see Taiwan-supported work in Palau and learn more about agriculture and community development.
Their experiences extended from Palau’s communities to its natural environment, including the Rock Islands and state trails.
The ambassadors also participated in the Pacific Prosperity Exhibit, where they helped guide visitors and promote the friendship between Taiwan and Palau.
Their involvement at the exhibit allowed them to interact with international visitors while sharing their experiences and representing Taiwanese youth.
The ambassadors said the exchange gave them an opportunity to share the voices and perspectives of young people in Taiwan while learning directly from Palauan communities.
The visit is part of continuing efforts to strengthen people-to-people connections between Taiwan and Palau. By bringing young people together, the program creates opportunities for cultural understanding and relationships that can continue beyond the exchange itself.
For the young Taiwanese visitors, the two weeks brought official meetings, cultural activities and opportunities to explore Palau.
But it was also the simple experiences — meeting Palauan students, talking with elders, hiking local trails, exploring the Rock Islands and experiencing the hospitality of the community — that left the strongest impressions.
And as Alma’s desire to return suggests, the exchange may not end with the delegation’s departure.
“I definitely want to come back to Palau and visit,” she said.