Adapting to Life in Taiwan

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."

Motorcycles everywhere!

Open Air Market in Taiwan.