WHITTIER – Río Hondo College will be awarded by the Culture Center of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Los Angeles, as well as the mayor of New Taipei City, for the success of the College’s cultural exchange program.

The College will be recognized during an event on Feb. 18, during which Río Hondo College and TECO will adopt a plan for the Taipei-California International Cultural Exchange Project, with both parties signing a memorandum of understanding to mark a new year of international education.

“The Taipei-California International Cultural Exchange Project gives students a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience abroad,” said Dr. Shin Lui, Río Hondo College professor and supervisor of students teaching abroad. “Through the program, students can broaden their global experience, travel abroad, and sharpen their teaching and leadership skills.”

Since its establishment in 2017, more than 70 Río Hondo College students have visited Taiwan to teach English, while several more have taught at remote education camps during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, Río Hondo College students will be providing International Education Camps for elementary and secondary students in Taipei City and they will also have the opportunity to complete a professional development Chinese language program provided by the University of Taipei.

“We are incredibly proud to have fostered this relationship with the University of Taipei and New Taipei City,” Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss said. “In doing so, our students have become global citizens for whom travel and cultural exploration have a positive, lasting effect.”