Before I left for Taiwan, I thought I had a good grasp of what studying abroad would be like. I pictured myself ordering noodles in perfect Mandarin, soaking in the night markets, taking weekend hikes in lush mountains, and maybe even making a few local friends. And in some ways, that’s what happened. But there’s another side to immersion that I didn’t expect: the humbling, confusing, and often hilarious process of learning to actually live in a language and culture that isn’t mine.
I’m a sophomore double majoring in Political Science and Chinese, and this is my first time living in a Chinese-speaking country. I chose Taiwan partly because of its friendliness, rich culture, and democratic values—but mostly because of the people I’ve met who have told me, “You’ll fall in love with it.” Now that I’ve been here a while, I see what they meant.
One of my biggest takeaways so far is just how different it is to live a language, rather than study it. I’ve taken Chinese for two semesters at my university back home, but nothing prepares you for the real thing like standing in front of a bubble tea menu with 40 options you can’t read, while the line grows behind you. These moments can be frustrating, but they’re part of language learning.
Language learning here isn’t just about memorizing vocabulary. It’s learning how to read a street sign fast enough to catch the right bus, how to politely decline food without sounding rude, how to understand that sometimes, silence is an answer. It’s being okay with messing up every single day, and knowing that every mistake is a step forward. There’s something beautiful in that vulnerability—in being the student who doesn’t have all the answers, but is learning to ask better questions.
Cultural differences show up in the small things—like how people take their shoes off at the door, or how scooter traffic seems to have its own logic. But I’ve also seen how similar we are, especially among students. I’ve made friends here who stress over exams, love snacks from 7-Eleven, and scroll endlessly through social media just like students back home. Connection doesn’t always need perfect grammar.
One of the most meaningful moments for me so far was when I was paired with a Taiwanese student who wanted to practice English while I practiced Chinese. At first, we were both nervous, stumbling through introductions and basic questions. But as the hour went on, we found ourselves laughing over the awkwardness, teaching each other slang, and swapping stories about our favorite foods. By the end, we had exchanged contact info and made plans to meet again. It was a small interaction, but it reminded me that language isn’t just a school subject—it’s a bridge. Moments like that have made this experience feel less like a study abroad trip and more like the start of lifelong friendships.
Living in Taiwan has changed me. It’s given me a new sense of patience, a deeper respect for languages and cultures, and a stronger desire to keep pushing myself outside my comfort zone. I don’t know if I’ll ever feel like a “local,” but I’ve started to feel like a guest who’s learning how to listen better, speak more carefully, and appreciate the world in translation.
To anyone considering studying abroad: do it. You won’t just gain a new vocabulary—you’ll gain new eyes.
Gabe Ivey
American Councils Study Abroad Need-Based Scholarship Recipient
American Councils Study Abroad Opportunity Scholarship Recipient
Taiwan Intensive Summer and Semester Language Program
Shih Chien University (SCU)
Taipei, Taiwan, Summer 2025