Teachers and student teachers from Tallahassee have participated in the San Sin-TCC Summer English Program in Kaohsiung since 1993. Living in Kaohsiung and adapting to Taiwanese culture has always presented challenges for the American teachers. The reversal of one's nights and days, the extremely warm temperatures, the language barrier, the squat toilets, the crowded city, the heavy traffic, the hundreds of motorcycles in the streets and on the sidewalks....these are only a few factors that make every day interesting! Despite the differences, the warmth and beauty of the Taiwanese people make this the experience of a lifetime!
This year, each student teacher was asked to describe some of the things that he or she found to be the most challenging in adapting to living in Taiwan. Here are their responses:
SEAN
CARMICHAEL: My journey to Kaohsiung has required some adjustments from my
normal American routine, but I have experienced more than I ever would have
thought possible. The people of Taiwan live a fast-paced lifestyle. Since my arrival,
every minute of my day has been filled with some sort of activity. My host
brother will often stop halfway through lunch to make sure he explains the next
three items on our daily agenda. I wake up early and rush to the bus, the bus
driver drives expeditiously, I eat breakfast quickly, and I walk with haste to
school. My entire day feels like I am moving at warp-speed. If by chance
there is a rare moment of down time, the appropriate thing to do is take a
quick nap to recharge the life battery.
I
have so much respect for the people of Taiwan, because they have a real sense
of drive about their school and work. It is easy for any foreigner
traveling to the country to see their passion for people and life. Another
adjustment that I quickly made upon arrival in Kaohsiung, was the abandonment
of my own ideas on personal space. Kaohsiung is a large city, but with so many
inhabitants, space is still limited. My first ride on the city bus to school
was met with awkward body bumps and at least three incidents of an
uncoordinated American falling into someone. The great thing is it never seems
to bother the wonderful people of Taiwan. Everyone smiles and continues with
their busy, often crowded day. This teaching opportunity in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
at San Sin High School has been the greatest learning experience I have ever
been a part of. Taiwan is amazing! Please let me stay!
DANIELLE
HESS: I think one of the biggest changes
you make here in Taiwan is the change of pace. I feel that every time I come
over to Taiwan (this is my third time), I have to adjust from the busy, busy,
busy rush of life in Florida to the more casually planned Taiwan. In my life in
Florida, I have many things planned in advance to do and I have to get them all
done yesterday. In Taiwan, activities are much more casually arranged, change
at the last minute, or are added at the last minute. (That's not to say we
don't have deadlines and plans for our teaching activities.)
Traffic
is another big adjustment. You go from the rigidity of traffic in Florida,
to the fluidity of traffic in Taiwan. Right of ways, red lights, pedestrian
crossings and lanes are all just suggestions. However, there is a beauty in the
chaos. Drivers here (as I have observed) SHARE the road. They are willing
to let others make a three-point turn in the middle of a busy four-lane road,
or allow someone else to merge directly in front of them. In Taiwan, horns are
"just want to let you know I am here"
and not an angry road rage induced blare.
JESSICA
OLIVE: Even though this
is my first year in Taiwan, I was amazed right off the bat with how "at
home" I felt. The Taiwanese culture in general is extremely gratuitous and
giving. It was amazing to me on my first day how clean the public
transportation was, and how, despite the language barrier, the attendants were
extremely helpful.
One of the biggest changes I've had to
make personally, at home with my host family, and in my teaching, is the speed
at which I talk! That language barrier itself isn't hugely overwhelming, but
reminding myself to slow down so everyone can understand me is very difficult
for some reason! I have really enjoyed that little battle, though, because it
shows even more how patient and caring the people of Taiwan are. My host
parents especially have struggled to communicate with me at times and their
continual effort is so appreciated. I am always amazed that we find a way to
understand each other, no matter what!
KATIE
LILLY: This
is my second year coming to teach in the San Sin-TCC Summer English Program. It
is a completely contrasting environment, culture, and all-around dynamic from
the United States. Even though I knew a little more of what to expect this
go-round, I'm still amazed at how wonderfully welcoming the Taiwanese people
are, and how we are given opportunities to learn and grow each day.
With that being said, not only do we
experience first-hand a huge language barrier (with our host families,
students, and even with people on the street, bus or MRT), but we experience
different foods, driving/traffic etiquette, and maybe a different type of bed
or mattress. What truly amazes me, though, is that with all of these
variations, we get over the barriers. We connect deeply with the people of this
beautiful culture. In the end, Taiwan
sincerely could change the country's slogan from, "Taiwan: Touch Your Heart" to "Taiwan: Where Your Heart Will
Stay."
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| Motorcycles everywhere! |
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| Open Air Market in Taiwan. |
On Friday evening, July 25, the teachers attended a farewell dinner with Principal Lin, Helen Lee, and the host families at a traditional Taiwanese restaurant. The principal expressed his thanks to the host families for their generosity in hosting the American teachers. He presented a gift and framed certificate to each host family in appreciation!
