Ceramics student Christina Hanula, from the Department of Art and Design at Missouri State University, participated in an exchange program at Tainan National University of the Arts (TNUA) during the spring 2024 semester.

The program provides students from TNUA’s Graduate Institute of Applied Arts and MSU’s art and design program opportunities to learn about each other’s cultures and educational processes.

MSU and TNUA established the exchange program nearly 20 years ago.

Excited to learn about Taiwanese culture

Hanula learned about the program from her ceramics instructor, associate professor Kevin Hughes.

“I was excited,” Hanula said. “I had never left the United States before coming to Taiwan, so the first thing I did was to gather the documents I needed to apply for a passport.”

While in Taiwan, Hanula hoped to learn more about Taiwanese culture while gaining personal and professional relationships with fellow artists.

Despite the language barrier, Hanula met her goals and then some, explaining that she learned more about a culture full of good food and good friends.

“The friends I have made here have all been extremely helpful, friendly and welcoming,” Hanula said. “Taiwan is full of great food, unique experiences and welcoming people.”

“There is a language barrier, mostly outside of the school,” she continued. “A lot of the students at TNUA know a lot of English, and they have been extremely helpful in translating when we go out into the city together because I only know a handful of words in Chinese.”

“Google Translate has become my best friend,” she added.

Benefits from artistic feedback

Hanula also enjoyed receiving feedback and guidance on her creative efforts.

“My work has focused on identity and human experience, so I have greatly appreciated being exposed to various viewpoints, a wholly different culture and other people’s works,” Hanula said.

“This experience has encouraged me to dive into exploring my work,” she added. “I have received a lot of encouragement and feedback from the artists here, and I only expect my work to continue to develop.”

Broadened perspective

Hanula encourages students to take advantage of exchange program opportunities whenever possible.

“If you have the opportunity, do it,” she said. “I know that there may be a lot of reservations around leaving the things you’ve known for several months, but I can guarantee that the experiences you will have here will outweigh the fears.”

“This experience has broadened my perspective and understanding of human experience, and I know that I will carry and be inspired by these experiences for a long time.”

Explore opportunities in art and design

Photos provided by Christina Hanula.

News written by Mariah Hunter, edited by Reynolds College Communications Team.

Hunter is a graduate assistant for the Department of Art and Design. She is working towards her master’s degree in writing at Missouri State University.