Like many student societies at Oxford University, the central mission of Oxford University Taiwanese Students’ Society (OUTSS) is to act as a platform for people to meet, understand, and support each other. However, more importantly, Taiwanese Student Society dedicates itself to bringing diversity and inclusion to the students at Oxford University, providing an open-minded and friendly space for social events and more.
Being from Taiwan, the first Asian nation to legalise same-sex marriage and the host to the biggest pride parade, OUTSS upholds the virtue of respect and stays open to everyone.
As inclusion and equality are highly valued, one need not be a citizen of Taiwan to join OUTSS activities. Afterall, the island itself is home to several ethnic groups, from East Asians to Austronesians, and our cultural influences embody a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and dozens of indigenous cultures. The Taiwanese Student Society maintains the value of inclusivity in Oxford, and all of our Taiwanese and non-Taiwanese members cordially welcome anyone who is interested in the island, the culture, or simply loves a good bubble milk tea.
You can possibly peek into the importance of food in our society by learning how to say ‘hello’ in Taiwanese–‘Tsia̍h Pá Buē’, which is literally translated into ‘Have you eaten?’ Knowing this, it is not surprising for the Taiwanese Student Society to host at least three big dinners per year–for the Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and, as we are here in Britain, Christmas. Hot pot meetings are certainly a must-do to help our members survive the cold winter. Join us to not only enjoy all the cuisine that tempts your taste buds, but also experience various cultural traditions that bring you cherishable memories during Taiwanese festivals.
Despite its current 60-ish-people size, the Taiwanese Student Society continues to expand and reach out with an open hand. A co-hosted picnic with the Chilean Student Society took place in August, featuring snacks from both nations and the tradition of kite-flying from Chile. It was an afternoon filled with home-made empanadas, sopaipillas, calzones rotos, egg rolls, and spring onion cakes. Though we could not decide on the champion of kite-flying (apparently as we are all too skillful), we had tremendous fun sharing music and Chilean wine.
With the new term at the door, OUTSS wishes to create a safe space for new-comers and existing members alike, making connections with people as well as other societies. A tea ceremony experience in collaboration with the Tea Appreciation Society is on the way, not to mention our regular Mah Jhong/board game nights. If you are looking for something more active, why not join us for a language exchange–karaoke style? Meanwhile, we are preparing for more fascinating experiences, social activities, or even more academic related events for the coming year. Would you like to know more about this beautiful island nation and its diverse culture? Feel free to stop by our stand during Fresher’s week! Or simply get in touch with us via oxford.outss.tw@gmail.com or join our Facebook group. You will undoubtedly find great delight in OUTSS before you know it!