【Field Trip】IBBA107 Human Resource Management Students Embark on Sweet Adventure: A Cocoa Field Trip to Remember

IBBA107 Human Resource Management students embarked on an unforgettable journey on Friday, April 26, 2024, as they delved into the fascinating world of cocoa on a field trip to Pingtung City. Led by Associate Professor Fang-Yi Lo (羅芳怡) from the International Business Bachelor Program (IBBA) and Assistant Professor Chin-Ho Lin (林晉禾) from the Master Program of Business Management (BM), 33 enthusiastic NSYSU students embarked on a bus tour brimming with excitement and anticipation.

Despite the rain that had been gracing the region in recent days, our spirits remained high as we journeyed through breathtaking landscapes, with mist-kissed mountains and rolling clouds accompanying our path.

Our first stop was the Council of Agriculture Kaohsiung District Agricultural Improvement Station (農業部高雄區農業改良場), where Researcher Jung-Mao Lai (賴榮茂) treated us to an enlightening and engaging speech on cocoa cultivation and the diverse breeds of cocoa. Professor Lo extended our sincerest appreciation by presenting a certificate of gratitude, accompanied by paired mugs, symbolizing our deep appreciation for sharing so much about cocoa with us.

As if on cue, the rain momentarily subsided, granting us the chance to wander into the cocoa farmland, where some of us even plucked cocoa pods straight from the trees!

Heartfelt gratitude further goes out to the USR Program (產學合創・跨域實踐 共構地方永續協作平台), organized by NSYSU College of Management, for generously sponsoring our expedition.

After indulging in a delectable boxed lunch and enjoying a well-deserved break, our adventure continued as we set off for our final destination: CACAO FARM FORMOSA (福爾摩莎可可農場).

Here, the real fun began as we engaged in a hands-on DIY activity to craft our own chocolates from scratch. From grinding cocoa beans into powders to meticulously adding sugar and oil, and finally pouring the mixture into molds to set, every step was a collaborative effort, fostering teamwork, camaraderie, and a sense of accomplishment.

As the chocolates cooled, we couldn't help but reflect on the invaluable experience of the day. Beyond the enriching knowledge gained about cocoa cultivation and processing, the field trip served as a reminder of the importance of practical learning experiences in supplementing classroom teachings. It was a day filled with laughter, learning, and newfound friendships, leaving us with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

With hearts full of gratitude and minds buzzing with excitement, we eagerly look forward to future adventures and learning opportunities that await us in the IBBA program. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and adventures from the IBBA community!

Written by Denice Huang

(Provided by IBBA)