Studying Abroad in Taiwan (Sept 2024)

Entering into my last week here, I reflect on all the experiences that I've had. I've come to realize the impact that being billingual and crossing difference cultures has influenced me. Coming to a country that I had been to before and speak the language of brought me peace and a sense of safety when coming to Taiwan again. Though I haven't been in about eight years, the familiarity of the place was instant, espeically as I stepped off the plane. While in Taiwan, I tried to use Chinese whenever I can. It was something that I tried to do both as language practice but also to feel like I'm blending in. Speaking in Chinese to locals especially when I was with the rest of the group, lead to surpise from the locals and also answering common questions. Most of the questions were where are you from?, why are you in Taiwan?, and why do you speak Chinese so well? The last one always makes me laugh. They are almost in shock that a forienger can speak Chinese. My favorite interac

This week, I reflect on the tea culture here in Taiwan. I grew up in a very tea-drinking environment. Taiwan has an amazing tea culture that is rooted in history. Tea from Taiwan was brought in from China and Taiwan farmers were taught techniques to tea production. Tea farms eventually became one of the country's biggest exports. We got to go to Yoshan Tea House in Nantou, Taiwan this week.  Yoshan Tea House works to shorten the distance between tea drinkers and the tea-making process. It is a museum-like experience that teaches visitors the tea-making process. We started the process by entering the space that had all the teas that were sold at the location. It gave a map of Taiwan, highlighting tea-related regions along with what the tea looks like and smells.  Moving on, we walked into a space talking about old fashion tea storage. We also got to peek into their factory where they were packing the tea. We moved on to a portion where it was explained what the tea tasting and judgi

Indigo Dying Today (Sept 9th) we got to dye using natural indigo dyes. We walked through a bookstore, onto a rock path, and into a classroom space. We were asked to take off our shoes, which I thought was interesting. Especially since it feels like walking through the bookstore and the rocks would have taken off most of the dirt on my feet. The program was run by a partner named Cheito. Chieto in Taiwanese means to play which is a very familiar saying as it is something my dad says I do a lot.  This reminds me of the Wisdom Culture and Education Organization, WCEO in the Bay Area. I grew up attending WCEO Chinese folk art camps where we spent a week doing Taiwanese cultural activities like acting out folk plays, making moon cakes, paper cutting, and even indigo dying. First, we learned about how the dyes are made. The teacher brought in the indigo plant and explained how the leaves are a key ingredient to the success of the dye. Then she broke down more steps from the seeping of the in

I believe that this week the food needs to be talked about. Every time I come back to Taiwan, food is what gets me through the day. There are so many restaurants and cafes to try and everything has satisfied. Before studying abroad, my dad took me to some spots that he went to growing up. The first was this Taiwanese beef noodle spot. We were walking on a busy street (Taiyuan St) then took a left turn into a dark alley. There were no visible street signs but as soon as we walked in, there were people at every table. The man at the door welcomed us and mentioned that they only had spicy broth and no pickled mustard green. Since pickled mustard greens aren't really my thing, I was okay. They pointed my dad and me to a table under the air conditioning unit. I was confused at first but when the steamy hot bowl of spicy beef noodles came out I understood why. About a week later, my assignment group headed to Brother Noodle near the Shih Chien University. We also ordered Taiwanese beef

Before this study abroad trip, I had many opportunities to travel to beautiful Taiwan. My parents are from Taiwan, and my grandparents still reside here. I lived for a year in Tainan when I was five and have enjoyed many summer vacations in Taiwan. Having traveled for leisure to Taiwan before, I am familiar with parts of the city but am excited to explore different parts and return to some of my favorite spots.  Little me after a preschool dance I flew into Taiwan from San Francisco on August 26th, about a week before the program started. The last time I was in Taiwan was about 6 years ago when I came with my mom during Christmas break. However, every time I come back, there are still bits of shock I experience. One of the major ones is how lush and green Taiwan is. I had the opportunity to walk through Yangmingshan for the first time with a family friend. View from Yangmingshan Even with the heat and humidity, the mountain was still lush green, and not a single blade of yellow grass i