Written by Sunny Zhang

On the afternoon of September 3rd, a special orientation event was held to help new members of the IBBA family smoothly transition into their new environment. After a delightful lunch, the event commenced with a warm welcome led by Aurola Hsu (許芮瑜), a sophomore in the IBBA program. She presented a series of topics designed to help freshmen quickly adapt to their new surroundings, making them feel at home and fostering a sense of belonging within the IBBA community.

To kick off the event, Aurola invited Prof. Lee, the Director of International Programs, to deliver the opening remarks. With genuine enthusiasm, she greeted the new students as they joined the IBBA family. Rather than just providing an introduction to the IBBA program, Prof. Lee encouraged the newcomers to take full advantage of the extensive resources available at NSYSU. She shared her firm belief that, with the support of NSYSU, these students are well-prepared to excel and make their mark.

Following this inspiring introduction, Aurola provided a comprehensive overview of the IBBA curriculum regulations, drawing from her own experiences as a freshman to offer valuable insights and practical advice. She highlighted a recent modification in the rules for students enrolling in the 113th academic year: unlike the regulations for those enrolling in the 112th academic year, the new cohort is now permitted to choose Liberal Arts courses in their first semester. This change opens up more academic flexibility and allows students to explore their interests earlier in their studies.

Aurola also clarified the differences between the dual degree program and the exchange program, providing clear guidance to help students navigate these options. She stressed the importance of understanding the graduation requirements and being mindful of course selection to ensure a smooth path to completion. In her final remarks, Aurola emphasized the importance of arranging courses strategically. She advised students to prioritize choosing compulsory subjects first, followed by elective subjects. She also suggested achieving the graduation threshold first before selecting courses based on personal interest.

The next segment of the orientation featured Jamie Chiu, the mentor for the IBBA International Mobility Program. Jamie took the stage to introduce herself briefly and extended a warm invitation to the new students, encouraging them to approach her with any questions or concerns regarding dual degree or exchange programs. She also invited the students to join a Line group, providing a convenient platform for them to ask questions, seek advice, or engage in discussions at any time.

After a short break, the orientation continued with a series of ice-breaking activities organized by Brandon Zheng (鄭敬騰), another IBBA sophomore. These activities were designed to foster a lively and friendly atmosphere among the new students, encouraging them to interact and get to know each other better. To promote engagement, Brandon divided the students into nine teams. The first activity was a simple yet effective game in which each student introduced themselves using an adjective that starts with the same letter as their English name. Additionally, they were encouraged to share a little about where they came from, discuss a hobby, or tell a brief story about the origin of their English name, while the others paid attention to remember these details.

The second part of the ice-breaking session involved a challenge where participants were tested on their ability to recall their peers' names when prompted. This activity aimed to help students familiarize themselves with one another quickly and effortlessly. It also emphasized the importance of teamwork and collaboration, as working together was crucial to achieving success. The team that demonstrated the strongest memory skills and the best teamwork by achieving the highest score was rewarded with gift cards, recognizing their efforts and engagement.

As the final echoes of laughter and chatter settled, the orientation drew to a close. The room, once filled with unfamiliar faces, was now alive with the beginnings of new friendships, camaraderie, and shared memories. As these students embark on their academic journey at NSYSU, they carry with them the hope and excitement of a bright and promising future. May all freshmen thrive in this new environment, dedicating themselves to their studies, staying true to their values, and embracing every challenge that comes their way with courage and enthusiasm. With the support of the IBBA community and the resources available at NSYSU, they are poised to make the most of their college experience and create lasting memories.