Document Type

Article

Domestic/International

International

Location

Dulan, Taiwan

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

During the summer of 2026, I interned at 'Etolan Style (都蘭國), an indigenous tourism initiative in Dulan, Taiwan, as the organization's first international intern. My work included sitting in on meetings, organizing the store, writing foreign perspectives on products, working on their farm, and assisting with tour groups. Using Mandarin daily improved my language skills and helped me pass my OPI. Taking part in the Kiloma'an harvest festival changed my view of tourism. I came to see it as a mutualistic way to preserve and build on culture, not just a profit-driven industry. I also wrote a report on attracting foreign tourists, which meant working through my role as an outsider in an indigenous community. This experience has given me a clearer focus for my SIP on tourism and indigeneity in Taiwan

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The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.