What sparked your interest to study abroad?
I knew it would be an experience that I would never forget. It was the best way to learn a foreign language and about the culture. It was an opportunity to learn more about the world and how we interact with one another.
What drew you to Taipei, Taiwan for your study abroad program?
My Chinese professor is Taiwanese. She told me that the people in Taiwan love foreigners. They really appreciate foreigners who take the time to visit their country and learn their language. Also, I am learning traditional characters and Taiwan is the only place left in the world that still uses that form of writing.
Did you look into any kind of financial aid for your trip?
Most of my financial aid to my university was paid to my host university in Taiwan. My host university charged my home university, so all of my grants and scholarships were applied to pay tuition. I used my federal and state grants along with my outside scholarships. I also took out a small personal loan to cover some expenses overseas.
What was the most rewarding part about your stay?
The best part of studying abroad was meeting new people. It’s hard to imagine, but now I can say I have some friends in Taiwan and I will go visit next summer. The local students were very excited to meet us and they were always willing to explore the country with us.
Was studying abroad a challenging experience? Why?
The most difficult experience was the language barrier. I found it really hard to communicate sometimes because I did not know the language too well. However, that’s part of the experience that I enjoyed. That’s how I was really able to meet other people. Traveling around a country while learning the local language is part of the study abroad experience. Yes, it was difficult but it was a great learning experience.
What was your most memorable experience abroad?
My friend and I took the fastest elevator in the world up to the tallest floor on the tallest building in the world, Taipei 101. The view was incredible and I know I will never forget it. It was just an outstanding monument right in the middle of the city that everyone around it could admire. Yes, Taiwan is a small island, but Taipei 101 represents their economic development.
What classes did you take when you were abroad? Did the classes available in your study abroad program effect the location you chose?
I took one language class and one elective in Taipei. Taiwan has an intensive program, so the Chinese language course counted as 12 units. The elective class was a course that was offered here when I arrived.
Did you do any type of volunteer or service learning projects while you were abroad? If so, describe?
I volunteered to teach English to less-privileged children. Every week we would teach them songs and games. We taught them basic grammar and practiced speaking with them. It was definitely a rewarding feeling.
What were your living accommodations like in Taipei?
I lived on campus in a small room with three other Taiwanese roommates. I never had my privacy, but we became very good friends. They were always there to answer any of my questions either about the Chinese language or about Taiwan.
How did your friends and family react at the idea of you leaving for Taipei?
It was difficult to leave my friends and family for many months, but I knew it was for a good reason. That is what kept motivating to work hard while I was abroad. My dad was very proud of me for taking such a risk that would help me out in the long-run if I was successful. There weren’t any objections, but they were really worried about how things would go because they have never visited a foreign country besides Mexico. They wanted to make sure I had enough money for any kind of emergencies.
As a student of color, did you feel your experience abroad was different from your peers? If so, how?
I think I was one of the few students there that did not have an Asian background. I definitely stood out among my peers and in the country, but I found that to be really exciting. People would always want to talk to me first and ask me where I was from and what languages I could speak.
How has studying abroad benefited you, personally, academically and professionally? Do you think you have grown as a person? Have any of your beliefs changed significantly due to this experience? Explain.
Personally- I have learned so much about interacting with people. It is amazing how much you learn about the world while living in a foreign country. There are so many cultural differences that I never even thought about. It also helped my communication skills. If you ever have trouble being a good “active” listener, learn a new language and practice speaking. I don’t think anything could be better.
Academically- I am not afraid to speak Chinese in my classes anymore. Why should I? I spend almost half a year speaking it every single day. I know that I will also have a better understanding of the culture now as well.
Professionally- Companies want to hire people who can speak several languages. I am learning a third language, so I know it will only help me in my professional career. Now when an employer asks me if I have ever studied anywhere else I can say I participated in an intensive course on the Chinese language in Taiwan. A minor in Chinese definitely helps, but a study abroad experience is the best way to show your skills.
What do you wish you would’ve known before studying abroad?
I wish I could have been more prepared for the cost of living. I was told that Taiwan had a very low cost of living, which it did, but as a tourist I bought so many things and I ended spending a lot more than I had originally planned. I should have overestimated my costs while living abroad.
What do you think other students studying abroad should know before leaving?
You are not alone. Everyone who is studying abroad will be in the same situation that you are in. They all left their family and friends to study abroad and they want to make it the best experience of their life while they are there. As a result, making friends is very easy.
Do you think that there are any personal qualities that make it easier with the study abroad experience?
A person who is outgoing, friendly, and has a passion for learning will make the best memories. I think it’s all about having fun and not feeling unhappy about being away from home. You never know when you will have another opportunity like this, so just make the best of it.
What do you think could have improved your study abroad experience?
I should have practiced my Chinese a lot more. I know I spent some time as soon as I arrived in Taipei, but it would have been a much smoother transition if I had studying more and practiced speaking before I left.
Would you recommend study abroad to other students?
I recommend studying abroad to every student in the world. That is the best way to learn about people from many different cultures because the students who are studying abroad do not all come from the same country. Therefore, even though you are only living one country, you will learn about many different cultures at the same time.
Do you plan to go abroad again? If so, where and for how long?
I only have one more year of school left, so I do not have time to study abroad again (I wish I did). I do plan to visit Taiwan again next summer to visit my friends.
Do you plan to utilize your experience abroad in your future career? Explain.
I want to continue learning the Chinese language and having a study abroad experience in Taiwan only makes me a better candidate in the business world.
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