Upcoming course will explore the chemistry and culture of food in Taiwan

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State students hoping to learn more about the chemistry of food will have the opportunity to get a hands-on learning experience in Taipei, Taiwan, during an embedded course next spring.

The course will take place as a trip to Taiwan from May 14 to June 3, 2026, and is available to students at all Penn State campuses.

Students will spend their time in Taiwan learning food-related chemistry through observing, tasting, discussing and preparing various local cuisines. Through site visits and hands-on practices, students will also learn how food culture is developed and integrated in the society.

Linghao Zhong, professor of chemistry and one of the course leaders, said the idea for the course came to him when he picked up the hobby of fermenting foods such as vinegar, soy sauce and sourdough bread. He eventually found himself visiting Japan to tour tea, beer and soy sauce factories.

Zhong said that much like the foods he was studying, an idea began to ferment: the idea of bringing students to such places to introduce them to how and why certain foods are created so students can experience it themselves.

"My goal is to encourage students' open-minded thinking and to promote their ability to connect the dots between concepts," he said. "Why is this particular food prepared in this unique way? How does weather, geography, tradition and culture play a role? The hope is the course will further strengthen these fundamental skills with students."

Melanie Miller Foster, associate teaching professor of international agriculture and another of the course leaders, said the trip is an opportunity to gain many of the benefits of studying abroad.

"This course is designed so that students don't just learn about Taiwanese culture - they will taste it, cook it and experience it alongside local experts," she said. "In Taiwan, students will build confidence, independence and curiosity as they explore a new city, try new foods, and make meaningful connections. It's the kind of learning that stays with you long after the trip ends."

Miller Foster added that she credits studying abroad for changing the trajectory of her own career, and that her experiences, relationships and insights she gained in Costa Rica, England and Japan shaped her passions and the way she sees the world.

"Each time I travel," she said, "I come home even more committed to helping students access transformative opportunities."

For more information or to apply, visit the course website.