Orediggers Overseas to hold informational session Thursday on Taiwan cultural exchange

After two successful cultural exchanges held in Taiwan and Austria in 2023 and 2024, a new group at Montana Technological University has formed to provide more opportunities for students to expand their horizons abroad.

On Thursday, October 3, Orediggers Overseas will hold an informational session at 5 p.m. in MG 203 for students interested in a cultural exchange trip to Taiwan.

Orediggers Overseas is a committee that consists of staff and faculty dedicated to the establishment of long-term quality cultural exchange and study abroad opportunities at Montana Tech.

Employment Services Coordinator Cynthia Wier took part in a cultural exchange with Minghsin University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Taiwan in November 2023, when she was a senior at Montana Tech. The trip followed a November 2023 visit by Governor Greg Gianforte to MUST, which included a roundtable discussion on the importance of relationships and trade between Montana and Taiwan.

“During that trip, I immersed myself in Taiwan's rich culture, enjoyed incredible food, made lasting friendships, and learned about their business practices and semiconductor manufacturing,” Wier said. “This experience opened my eyes to the value of cross-cultural understanding and the potential for deeper connections between our communities.”

Now as an employee, she wants to make sure students get to have similar experiences.

“I am excited to help form a committee to further develop our study abroad missions,” Wier said. “Given that Montana already has a connection with Taiwan, I see a tremendous opportunity to strengthen and expand that relationship. My time in Taiwan showed me how valuable these exchanges can be, not only for personal growth but for fostering collaboration and mutual understanding between cultures. I believe by building on the foundation we already have, we can create even more impactful experiences for students and form partnerships that benefit both sides.”

Disability Services Coordinator Shauna Goodell participated in three short term study broad experiences as a student, and went on to serve as a coordinator for a global education office at another university. She hopes students are able to grow from study abroad in some of the same ways she did.

“It’s always been a passion of mine as someone who has been on both the student and the staff side,” Goodell said. “Being abroad really showed me what I was made of. It taught me independence. It taught me to look at things from a different perspective.”

Goodell, Wier, and Geological Engineering Professor Glenn Shaw will lead the session on Thursday.