My study abroad experience in Taiwan

BA Chinese student Daisy shares her experience studying abroad in Taiwan, enjoying local delicacies, learning Mandarin, and getting to travel to nearby countries. 

Having travelled to East Asia before the start of my BA Chinese degree, the year abroad was the part of the course that I was most excited about. The lead-up to the year abroad was a nerve-wracking one, with uncertainty due to Coronavirus; however, we made it there!

I was most excited about Taiwanese food 

If I’m being honest, I was most excited for the Taiwanese food. In the lead-up to the year abroad, I’d spend hours watching Taiwanese food vlogs on YouTube. As a vegetarian, I was nervous before, but after extensive research, I learned that Taiwan was a veggie-friendly country. 

Some of my best memories are of strolling through night markets, sitting on benches munching on local delicacies, and exploring local cuisines with new friends. Taiwanese breakfast is also a must-try, I’ll never forget seeing queues wrapped around street corners with people waiting for doujiang, youtiao, danbing, the list goes on!

I got to travel during the holidays  

Owing to Taiwan’s location, I was able to travel in the region during my holidays. Prices were low, I guess it’s the equivalent of flying to a European country from London. One of the highlights of my travels was spending ten unforgettable nights in Tokyo. I also explored Hong Kong for a few nights with a few friends. It was so hot we went to Causeway Bay’s beach most days. 

I saw huge progress in my language skills

The most valuable thing that I got from my year abroad were my language skills. Our cohort attended the National Taiwan Normal University’s Mandarin Training Centre (MTC), one of the best schools for learning Mandarin as a second language in Taiwan. With hard work and immersing myself in the local culture and language, I saw huge progress in my language skills.

The teachers only spoke to us in Mandarin. I remember on the first day my teacher told me to forget about my native language and try to replace it with Mandarin. The teachers were world-class; they were encouraging, patient, and kind. 

Our classes at MTC were held for three hours a day, five days a week. The teachers only spoke to us in Mandarin. I remember on the first day, my teacher told me to forget about my native language and try to replace it with Mandarin. The teachers at MTC were world-class; they were encouraging, patient, and kind. 

If you’re considering a year abroad, I’d say do it. It was truly an incredible and enriching experience that I am eternally grateful for.