NTNU MTC Study Session. Photo courtesy of Mandarin Taiwan
You studied for nine months at the Language Center in National Chengchi University (NCU) in Taiwan. Besides having "loved every minute of it," what could you tell us about the experience that would make us say, "I think I want to study abroad in Taiwan, too!"
Taiwan is such an easy place to adapt to and considered a “soft landing” when it comes to foreign living. The people are so friendly, the culture so warm, and the transportation system is amazing, which makes life really easy here. When thinking about where to study abroad, I think the best thing I took into consideration was the actual living environment and it definitely paid off in choosing Taiwan.
The Huayu Enrichment Scholarship paved the way for your 2009-2010 study abroad experience in Taiwan. If you didn't get the scholarship, would you still have studied in Taiwan?
Absolutely. In fact, I remember the scholarship results took longer than expected to come out that year. I told my family at dinner one night before they came that, "I don't even care if I get the scholarship or not. I'm doing this. I'm going anyway."
Why should someone study in Taiwan as opposed to China or Hong Kong?
Taiwan offers a good standard of living for a very affordable price. It is a clean and very safe environment that allows students to come and experience a foreign land without having to worry too much about things like violence, pollution, food poisoning, and other issues. It also offers a lot of the old ways of Chinese culture in contrast to modern society, along with the sharp divide between big city and great wilderness. One minute you can be in a high rise building having a roasted duck dinner, and the next you’re on a train cruising through the jungle to visit an ancient temple in the jungle.
Did Taiwan fit your lifestyle as a "big outdoorsy person?” Name the first place in Taiwan that outdoorsy students should visit.
Definitely. The first place I would have to say would be Yilan. I say this because it is only an hour away from Taipei City and offers beaches, hikes, river rafting, paragliding, and just about everything else an "outdoorsy" person might want!
After studying at the NCU, you decided to stay in Taiwan to teach English. Did you experience a new side of Taiwan when you shifted your focus?
Staying to teach did give me a different view of Taiwan. I think that because I had simply been here for a longer period of time changed things as well. Sometimes when you are here studying for only a short period you really don't get to see the whole picture.
As founder of Mandarin Taiwan Study Abroad, a company that bridges the gap between Western and Eastern cultures through language and cultural immersion programs, can you tell us a little bit about the programs you offer?
We offer many different programs for students to choose from. Everything from full programs that literally walk students through the whole process from before they board the plane in their home country, to programs that are more "only the necessities" for more independent students who wish to come and explore on their own and just have us guide them through some of the more difficult processes.
All of our programs are study programs, specifically language intensive study. Students who are looking to learn Chinese and would like some help with everything from living accommodations, visa processing, trip arrangements, or just meeting new local friends will find what they need. MTSA provides them a chance to have it all (or just the parts they want).
Taiwanese street food. Photo courtesy of Mandarin Taiwan
What has been the hardest aspect of working and developing a life abroad for you?
The hardest part would easily be having to be away from my family and having seen many friends come and go. It's always hard during the holidays not being with my family. Although I can live through my best friends leaving for new adventures a million times, I don't think I'll ever get used to that feeling when everybody is about move on and the end of a small era is near.
What is the one piece of advice that you would give students wanting to study in Taiwan?
DO IT!