United States of America
The opportunity to come and be immersed in a Mandarin-speaking culture while simultaneously taking classes to improve has been both exciting and deeply interesting.
I initially came to Taiwan after being notified of a scholarship opportunity. Upon doing more research, I realized this would not only be a great opportunity to gain an immersive Chinese language experience, but also an incredible chance to learn and experience other cultures. Since arriving, the amount of Mandarin used here (menus, cashiers, signs) has been very helpful because I am forced to improve.
When choosing where to study, not only did I receive a scholarship to National Taipei University of Technology (NTUT, or Taipei Tech), but my research showed that the location of the school was very much in line with what I wanted from my time here. From the start, I also got the sense that the exchange student administration really cared about helping me in any way they could. The opportunity to come and be immersed in a Mandarin-speaking culture while simultaneously taking classes to improve has been both exciting and deeply interesting.
My university is far more proactive, flexible, and inclusive than one might think. The administration has frequently reached out to remind me of events or opportunities that would be easy to miss, and they have done a great job accommodating my academic needs. There have also been many opportunities to interact with other students, which makes me feel like I am truly part of the student community.
Finding a good balance of realistic immersion and comprehensible conversation has been difficult. However, the university has been very helpful in offering me classes that both fit my schedule and fit my needs. The institution itself offers a wide range of convenient resources, such as a great library and various Mandarin class options. I have greatly enjoyed my professors so far, and the relationships I have been able to develop with other international students have been tremendous as well.
The university has done a great job organizing events for exchange students to meet others and learn more about the culture. For instance, we participated in a Chinese calligraphy class and workshop, which was a great experience that helped me connect with the language and culture in an accessible way. It was incredibly fun and unique, and we have many other exciting cultural experiences planned.
Our engagement even goes beyond the university walls—my class is currently organizing a cultural exchange program with a local elementary school. As a student who is just studying the language for one semester, professional networking resources don't quite apply to me yet, but these hands-on cultural projects have made my exchange deeply meaningful.
While I will not be staying in Taiwan immediately after my program concludes, my time here has fundamentally influenced my future plans and career aspirations. My time here has made me want to return after graduation at some point and to continue with my goal of working in international government, using Mandarin as a skill for doing so. This exchange has given me the foundation and the drive to make that long-term professional goal a reality.
