2026-08-23 Step Out and See the World: Miami Fo Guang Youth Share Their International Learning Journey

On the afternoon of August 23rd, 10 young adults gathered at the temple for a sharing session. Members Justin Huang and Yulin Wu shared their experiences from returning to Taiwan over the summer to participate in the "Fo Guang Youth Jamboree" and the "Pu-Men High School English Teaching Camp." They also looked back on what they saw and heard during their one-month visit to Japan and Taiwan. From international exchange to youth service, the two returned to Miami with abundant takeaways, sharing the touching moments and inspirations from their journey with their fellow youth members.

"It turns out there are YADs (Young Adult Divisions) all over the world!" As the two shared their stories, it felt as though the other youths had embarked on this international exchange journey with them. From Japan to Taiwan, although language, culture, and life backgrounds vary, the youth gathered together because of their shared faith and ideals of service. Their passion for friendship, learning, and growth transcended geographical boundaries, connecting them with one another.

Justin and Yulin expressed that participating in international events is not just about meeting young people from different countries; it also gave them a deeper understanding of Buddhism and Humanistic Buddhism. Young adults are not merely learners of the Dharma; they can start with themselves, applying what they learn to their daily lives and service. Through each exchange and activity they participate in, they are able to see their own potential.

During their return to Taiwan this time, in addition to attending the "Fo Guang Youth Jamboree," the two also dedicated their time to the "Pu-Men High School English Teaching Camp," where they engaged in American English teaching and cultural exchange with Taiwanese students. They used everyday materials like movies and pop culture to introduce American culture to the students, and through classroom interactions, they gained insight into the lives and thoughts of the Taiwanese students. For both of them, teaching was not just about sharing culture, but a two-way learning experience. They learned to communicate and listen during these interactions and discovered shared commonalities amidst their cultural differences.

The pair also edited their journey into a video, documenting the everyday moments of living and participating in activities alongside 50 North American youths. As the video played, laughter and applause filled the room. Even the youth who couldn't participate in person could feel the vitality and passion of the international Fo Guang youth through the footage.

Justin shared, "Only by stepping out can you see that you are actually capable of doing so much more." This international exchange allowed him to witness the diverse development of youth divisions around the world. It also made him rethink what he could contribute to the group, vowing to take on more responsibilities in the future and actively engage in youth affairs.

Yulin, on the other hand, encouraged the youth to seize the learning and service opportunities provided by the YAD, bravely step out of their comfort zones, experience different cultures, and expand their international horizons. They believe that the YAD is not just a place to participate in activities, but a platform to learn about service, cultivate leadership, and develop a sense of responsibility.

BLIA Miami Chapter Elder Advisor Mei Han-Zheng, YAD Advising Teacher Sophie Sun Anderson, and Fort Lauderdale Subchapter Vice President Tong Lin also attended to show their support. They affirmed the valuable takeaways the two gained from this exchange and encouraged the youth to bring their international learning back to the group, applying it to their daily lives and service. By doing so, their youth will be enriched through service, allowing the power of Fo Guang youth to transcend cities, connect with one another, and continue to shine brightly.