The Ministry of Education's Youth Development Administration conducts "Youth Experiential Learning Program" to encourage high school graduates to enjoy experience learning. Students have to learn to propose a plan, and conduct domestic or international self-learning schedule for 2 or 3 years, throughout this process, students explore their interests and find out what their passion might be for the future. ChangJie, Zhao who participated in the project in 2018, went to the United States to fulfill his flying dreams and obtained a private pilot license. ZhenZhou, Liang traveled around Taiwan domestically by conducting tree climbing, moreover, the tallest he has conquered was a 40-meter-tall Taiwan Red Oak.
"I have always wanted to learn to fly." ChangJie, Zhao, graduated from National Hualien High School, learned about the "Youth Experiential Learning Program" through the campus, thus starting the journey of experiential learning. ChangJie, Zhao first went to Ultralight Aircraft in Hualien to learn to fly a light aircraft, and then went to Texas, USA to learn flight knowledge and skills in an all-English environment. Cultural shocks allowed him to grow rapidly. Due to the fact that he was unaccustomed to foreign diets, he started to cook on his own. In addition, he learnt how to independently take long-distance buses to different states. He also learnt to set goals for himself to better understand his own strengths and respect diversity, tolerant and appreciate others.
ChangJie, Zhao mentioned that when he started flying in the US, the instructor led him in the passenger seat and soon, the instructor allowed him to go solo after several practices. It was very stressful flying solo because it requires three takeoffs and landings, techniques to avoid collision between the planes. It was an incomparable challenge for him because it was a life-and –death situation that he had to devote full attention; meanwhile, keep calm and be professional. In just a few months, Zhao has obtained a private pilot license. This US trip not only broadens his horizons, but also firms his dream of becoming a pilot.
Many people have done hiking, cycling or trains around Taiwan, however, ZhenZhou, Liang, who graduated from Taoyuan Municipal NeiLi Senior High School, thinks out of the box. He originated "tree climbing" to experience Taiwan, in addition, to enjoy the city view in a unique method and make new friends throughout the process. Liang said: “I always invite the local to join tree climbing activity and show them the connection between their hometown and themselves from the treetops." He thought that climbing trees has given him more imagination and led his life to become wonderful and satisfying every day.
Liang went to Xiamen for his first tree climbing competition experience; he had always stayed humble and positive facing other experts from all around the world. Liang indicated that he had benefited from this precious experience. He transformed the fear of heights into strength, and he even started to guide children to enjoy tree climbing. Moreover, he had learned the most essential lesson in life to take responsibility. Liang was responsible for his decision on dropping out of school. Having all the supports from his parents and the official resources, Liang considered everything his responsibility and one day, he would contribute what he got back to society. "It is definitely not an easy path to take, but if you find something worth doing, just go for it." Liang said.
On May 26th , 2019, The Ministry of Education's Youth Development Administration held a Coaching Camp for 2019 Youth Experiential Learning Program. The two seniors, ChangJie, Zhao and ZhenZhou, Liang, exchanged ideas with the young who applied for the project and shared their experiences in learning. Zhao encouraged the youth, "Each of you will encounter various setbacks. During the process, you