Cultural Immersion and Creativity
Day two was a blend of creative thinking and cultural immersion. Professor Arthur Wang inspired students to think outside the box through various exercises and discussions. Through a series of exercises, students were encouraged to think beyond traditional boundaries and unleash their creativity. Activities such as military supply support, tower building, and exploration of creative inventions inspired students to approach problem-solving with fresh perspectives. The Cultural Experience field trip at the National Center for Traditional Arts exposed students to traditional Taiwanese opera, providing a deep appreciation for Taiwanese culture. Students participated in activities like leather card holder making, tie dye books marks and personalized wooden drink coaster crafting, igniting their creativity.
Additionally, there was a group activity component where students collaborated to solve puzzles to locate specific areas, and capture creative group photos. Student Divyanshu from India shared, "The introduction to the Taiwanese Opera was something new for me, experiencing and practicing at the same time. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to be at the Leadership and Team Building camp organized by NCCU."
Building Empathy and Decision-Making Skills
The final day featured a thought-provoking exercise. Students were tasked with ranking patients deserving of a kidney transplant, fostering empathy and rational decision-making. This exercise emphasized the importance of understanding emotional and rational perspectives in leadership and decision-making.
In their own leadership display exercises, students showcased their ability to lead, interact, and use their leadership skills to guide their teams. The camp concluded on a high note with students leaving with newfound knowledge, friendships, and a renewed spirit for their IMBA journey. Student Anthony Santoso from Indonesia eloquently summarized the experience, saying, "The camp reminded me that simplicity and warmth are incredibly effective in getting to know new people, and basic introductions can forge a sense of belonging."
National Chengchi University's Leadership and Team Building Camp proved to be an invaluable experience for these IMBA students, equipping them with essential skills for their academic journey and future careers. As they embark on their IMBA program, these students are now well-prepared to be the leaders of tomorrow, armed with a profound understanding of leadership and teamwork. The camp's emphasis on real-world applications of leadership and team dynamics was a refreshing departure from traditional classroom-based learning. Students had the opportunity to put theory into practice, experiencing firsthand the nuances of leadership styles, the intricacies of group dynamics, and the importance of cultural sensitivity in global teamwork.
Emma Tourre highlighted the practical nature of the camp. She appreciated the departure from theoretical learning, emphasizing that the camp provided valuable lessons that surpassed her prior experiences in leadership courses. Emma's leadership role during the origami activity allowed her to witness the effects of different leadership styles, a valuable lesson in itself.
As Anthony Santoso reflected on his journey from the initial sense of homesickness to the camaraderie and personal growth he experienced during the camp, it became evident that this event had a profound impact. Beyond the academic curriculum, the camp taught life lessons—simplicity, warmth, and the value of making mistakes. It forged a sense of belonging among students from diverse backgrounds.
In conclusion, the Leadership and Team Building Camp at National Chengchi University serves as a shining example of how experiential learning, cultural immersion, and practical leadership exercises can shape the leaders of tomorrow. It equips students not only with knowledge but also with the skills, values, and perspectives needed to excel in a diverse and interconnected world. NCCU's commitment to providing transformative experiences sets a benchmark for leadership education, empowering its students to navigate the challenges of the future with confidence and competence.