Month: December 2011

Taipei: One Month Later

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I can’t believe it’s already been a month since I’ve been in Taiwan! I realized that my past posts really haven’t been about my life in Taipei. So to update in brief:

Housing. I was surprised by how fierce and quick competition can be to get a place here in Taipei. I was lucky to find a place that’s only a 15 min walk to classes, 5 minutes to the MRT and to a huge park, and within walking distance to friends’ apartments. I live in a 4bd/2br apt on the 7th floor, and can see Taipei 101 from my bedroom. I live with three 20-somethings that all speak Chinese (and English). Our schedules don’t really overlap, so I don’t get to see them much, but whenever they are around, you can bet I am practicing my Chinese! So glad that my living situation worked out the way I had hoped for.

Social. It’s been only a month, but I’ve met countless people from all over the world though mainly from EUR, AUS, and NZ and some from JP and the States. It’s such an amazing thing to be able to learn about everyone’s background, goals, etc whether during meals, sports (already played some soccer while here), sightseeing, or a night out on the town!

School. The purpose of why I’m here. Homework is intense, but definitely manageable. I’m getting more comfortable using Chinese on a day-to-day basis, and I know my tones are getting crisper. The no-pressure feeling to succeed also helps ease the stress.

When Grades Don’t Matter

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Today marked the end of my second week of language class at National Taiwan University. It feels weird being a student once again. I’ve studied abroad before in both Tokyo and Shanghai, but this time is different since the grades are just that – an indicator of progress. They’re not going to be transferred to my home uni or looked over by grad school admissions.

I chose to come to come to Taiwan for a number of reasons:

  • to learn traditional characters
  • to get a different perspective of cross-strait relations
  • to climb some mountains
  • to visit the beaches
  • to use the island as a base for traveling throughout Asia
  • to increase my fluency in speaking, listening, and reading Chinese

Given that the grades I receive are only self-serving, I’ve found it a little hard to not lose sight of my main goal. When I told my school’s program director of my short-term goals of passing the proficiency test, she pretty much laughed and told me that if that’s my goal, I really don’t need to be in Taiwan (or Mainland China) to pass the test. This was de-motivating to say the least, but only for a moment.

I considered dropping out, but realized, why quit so soon? Its been a personal-goal of mine to be fluent in another language. Why I chose to stick with Chinese, and not go for an easier language, I don’t know. I had come so far, how could I let a little blip ruin what I’ve planned? Improving language skills, like every other skill, really comes down to self-motivation. So to keep me motivated with my language study, I created a study-plan that I hope will help me get the most out of my stay here. Sure, it might not help me achieve my goal to be business proficient, but at least it’ll provide some structure to learning this incredibly hard language.

Thankful For

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Thanksgiving really is my favorite holiday, and I truly believe that I shouldn’t need a holiday to express my gratitude. Everyday I am thankful for what I’ve got. Looking back on the year, I’ve got a lot to be thankful for:

Health. I think a lot of people at my age tend to overlook this quite a bit. Several weeks ago I experienced a couple heart palpitations. This scared the crap out of me, but the doctor, after doing a couple tests, assured me that it was nothing abnormal and that otherwise, I am in perfectly healthy shape.

Friends. Moving from Philly to DC not really knowing anyone, as well as additional circumstances, made last year particularly challenging. In contrast, this year has been incredibly memorable, truly unforgettable. I owe it all to everyone I’ve befriended for helping make this year without a doubt one of the best years I have had in a long time.

Family. Even though they may sometimes be a little skeptical, I’m thankful for their unconditional support in whatever latest scheme or idea I come up with. Additionally, I’m glad they seriously just want me to live my own life and be happy. This notion of living your own life, and not the lives of others, is something that I greatly take to heart and appreciate. A lot.

Discipline. I wouldn’t be able to be in Taiwan without being cognizant LONG ago that I’d be surviving on no income for an extended period. I’m glad I stayed the course throughout last year and this year and saved so that I’m able to do what I’m doing now.

I could go on and on, about food, about nature, about travel, etc. There’s so much to be thankful for!