Over 200 Taiwanese students from Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania crowded the lobby of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York on Saturday, September 12, 2015. The Education Division of TECO-NY and the Federation of Taiwanese Student Associations in New York (FTSANY) jointly organized the event to welcome students for a brand new school year and to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Education Director Charlin Chang encouraged students to take care of one another, reminding them that regardless of whether this is your first year or last, everyone has fear or anxiety when facing something new, like a new school year or a new city. Dr Chang expresses the goal of  Education Division, her division will actively commit to expand the stage to show the strength of the students from Taiwan.

The event brought students together as one family to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, which would not be complete without moon cakes. As students enjoyed homely bubble tea and snacked on traditional moon cakes, FTSANY leaders introduced the organization and gave tips for navigating New York City. Students were encouraged to get connected, not only with FTSANY, but with their school’s Taiwanese student organization Though the event officially started at 2:00pm, many arrived early, eager to meet peers and make new friends. At the party’s end, all were slow to leave and lingered at the entrances, caught up in conversations with new friends and feeling very much at home.

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On August 28, 2015, the Education Division of TECO-New York hosted the second FTSANY meeting of the new school year. 40 student leaders representing 23different schools from among 4 different states descended upon midtown Manhattan for the meet-and-greet. The Federation of Taiwanese Student Associations in New York (FTSANY), currently in its 25th year, is a group comprised of leaders of local Taiwanese student associations.
The meeting was hosted by Education Director Charlin Chang. Students took turns introducing their schools, groups, and plans for the coming year. Director Chang expressed her wish to give students the utmost support and to give them a chance to exhibit their work and exchange ideas. The Education Division revealed plans for a film festival, fashion show, and design expo – all focused on highlighting local Taiwanese students’ creativity and celebrating their hard work. There will be additional events planned related to music, arts, computers, design, and law, and students were encouraged to participate and make New York their city.
FTSANY also discussed plans for their welcome party, scheduled for Saturday, September 12 , 2015. Leaders want to use the opportunity to make new students feel at home and to let them know that FTSANY and TECO-NY are here for them.
Leaders from as far as Pittsburgh, PA, and Binghamton, NY, made the trip into New York; in all, 23 different schools were represented. Students at the meeting were also greeted by TECO-NY Ambassador Paul Chang, who both had encouraging words for all those present.