EUREKA, Calif. (August 14, 2026) – The Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE) will welcome a delegation of education and civic leaders from Chiayi City, Taiwan, August 16-17, 2026, as part of a longstanding international partnership focused on global learning, cultural exchange, and educational collaboration. The visit will bring together local educators, elected officials, students, and community members to celebrate the growing relationship between Humboldt County and Taiwan.
The delegation will be led by Ming-Hui Huang, Mayor of Chiayi City, and includes education leaders from Chiayi City’s Education Department, principals, and representatives of the English Education Resource Center. During their visit, delegates will participate in cultural exchanges, school partnerships, community events, and meetings with local leaders.
Highlights of the visit include a Friendship Ceremony hosted by local Girl Scout leaders and scouts from across Humboldt County, a reception at Eureka City Hall, and the signing of a sister-school Memorandum of Understanding between Big Lagoon School and Chiapei Elementary School in Taiwan. Delegates will also visit local schools and meet with educators to share ideas and strengthen educational connections between the two regions.
“Global education creates opportunities for students and educators to develop meaningful relationships that expand perspectives and deepen learning,” said Dr. Colby Smart, Deputy Superintendent at HCOE. “Our partnerships with schools and education leaders in Taiwan have opened doors for collaboration, cultural exchange, and authentic learning experiences that help prepare students to thrive in an interconnected world. We are honored to welcome this delegation to Humboldt County and continue building relationships that benefit both of our communities.”
HCOE’s Global Education initiatives have connected Humboldt County students and educators with classrooms and communities around the world. The partnership with Taiwan has included educator exchanges, sister-school relationships, collaborative student projects, and opportunities for professional learning. The August visit continues that work by deepening relationships between Humboldt County and Chiayi City while creating new opportunities for future collaboration.
The Humboldt County Office of Education serves as a leader in global education, supporting programs that connect local students and educators with peers around the world while preparing young people to thrive in an increasingly interconnected society.
For more information, please visit https://globalclassroomconnect.org/ or Stacy Young, HCOE Community Outreach and Engagement Director, at outreach@hcoe.org or 707-445-7024.