I feel it appropriate to open that as I look over the different topics of focus for my blog post, I have personal anecdotes for almost every one, each proving to me that this study abroad opportunity is as deeply enriching an experience as promised to me. And while one might think even the most mundane of events surely could not provide personal growth, because of my time here I would argue that those people should not undermine how influential international experiences are. My time in Taiwan attests to this profound impact on my personal growth. Some may believe my positive words for Taiwan may be an exaggerated idealization for the country, but I genuinely believe that there is nothing egregious to note… except for the intense heat that I am unaccustomed to.
When writing this blog post, I think about a phrase my peers and I have constantly agreed with while here, that “time is relative,” for it feels that the three weeks we have been here seem to be dragging on while we remain in disbelief that three weeks have in fact gone by. But within this short, or long, depending on your perspective, time frame, the core memories, from first impressions to cultural activities, language challenges to free time excursions, prove the transformative impact of my time here in Taiwan.
Before coming to Taiwan, my Chinese name never held much meaning to me as its etymology is simply a transliteration of my last name, given to me at the start of my first semester of college. I felt that there was not much behind what it meant for me to be called 艾凡. My newly given name was simply another nickname, something for my university Chinese professors to address me by when taking attendance. However, even in the short time that I have studied here in Taiwan, I find that the people I met and memories made have personally added a significant weight to my name, beyond a simple transliteration. There is now an invaluable experience that I take pride in attached to my previous “simple transliterated name.” This exhilarating study abroad experience has pushed me to the boundaries of my comfort zones through this intense immersion in a new and complex culture.
I would be remiss if I did not share that the first few moments in Taiwan already destroyed the preconceived notions and prior expectations crowding my mind. Imagine, after over twenty five hours of luggage hauling, line waiting, sleep sitting, ticket checking, and three separate flights, I landed in Taiwan International Airport. Looking around I realized with each step towards picking up my luggage I saw less and less English.
Yet, to my initial disbelief, as I ambled across the airport looking for Jenny, I did not feel a gaze on me, or if there was, it was done discreetly. Coupled with an unfathomable politeness from people who I have never met and will probably never meet again, I feel it impossible not to feel comfortable and safe here. Every day the people of Taiwan prove that their kindness and courtesy are no fluke. Here I feel content, reveling in the feelings of validation as another human being exploring the beauty of this nation from the people who I meet here who welcome me as 艾凡。
My language partner, fellow TISLP participant, and I on the balcony of the Beitou Library.
AC Study Abroad Need-Based Scholarship Recipient (sponsored by the generous support of the Taiwan Ministry of Education)
Taiwan Intensive Summer Language Program (TISLP) Participant
Tamkang University (TKU)
Taipei, Taiwan, Summer 2023