TAIPEI, July 28 (Xinhua) -- An ongoing expo in Taiwan is putting emphasis on the practical experiences of college students.

The University Social Responsibility (USR) Expo 2018 began Saturday in Taiwan University, drawing a large crowd. The expo presents 93 social practice projects conducted by college teachers and students in Taiwan.

"Our students helped grow environmentally friendly paddy rice in the rural areas of Tainan," said Chu Kuo-wei, who participated in the project of Cheng Kung University. "The project not only produced healthy products, but also improved local environment, because we used no pesticide."

Chen Shih-ming, an associate professor of the university, said that the social practice project allowed students to walk out of classrooms, and work and live with farmers.

"They used their knowledge to help the farmers, and the experiences also laid a solid foundation for their career development," Chen said.

Students from Taiwan's Providence University presented a project that focused on the ageing population.

"Students from the university's food department prepared recipes specially designed for the elderly," said Yu Kuan-chieh, a student of Providence University. "We also helped the senior people make new friends, and show their talent, which is conducive to the healthy development of the ageing population."

"Through this expo, we hope to convey the message that college students not only focus on academia, but can also get close to the livelihood in rural areas," said Cheng Chih-wen, with the university.

Several forums and public speaking events will also be held during the expo, which will conclude on Sunday.