First Week Impressions of Taiwan

Each of the four teachers wrote a description of her impressions following the first week the group lived and worked in Kaoshiung, Taiwan.  Here are their comments:

Gabriela Lopez:  
Growing up in a very large city and having been a somewhat avid traveler, I felt I would have been an expert on living in a different culture for one month. This was not the case. The first few days in Taiwan came as a large shock. The different smells, sounds, food, and people were things I had never encountered. The difference in temperature also didn’t make for an easy transition. The first couple of days came with some confusion about what lay ahead. However, after these couple of daunting days came acclamation. I began to explore this amazing city and the people in it, and found out just how hospitable and beautiful Taiwan is. Having such a loving and understanding host family has helped make the transition into this new culture easier. I don’t know what it would have been like without them. While the days do come with some missed buses and eating some peculiar foods, they are also filled with laughter, learning, and love. I am so grateful to the San Sin High School, Flagler College-Tallahassee and my host family for providing me with the opportunity to come to such an amazing place. I feel this experience will help me grow as a teacher as well as a person. I can’t wait to see what’s ahead!

 

Gabriela, Elaney, Michaela, and Danielle

Elaney Tedder: 

This is my first time teaching in Taiwan, and I already want to come back next year! I have had an amazing time this first week, even if there were a couple of hiccups (which is normal). All of my students seemed to love the curriculum, and they enjoyed the games and prizes even more! As far as getting integrated into the culture, it’s been a little bit difficult.  It is so different from American culture, but I think we have all gotten the hang of it. My host family has been especially helpful, telling me not to leave my chopsticks sticking straight up in my food (that’s bad luck), and that I don’t need to say "thank you" to every single person. This week ended in a whirlwind (quite literally, thanks to Super Typhoon Nepartak.  I am looking forward to what next week brings!

Michaela DeLang: 

I have traveled a lot, but coming to Taiwan was SO different. The best word to describe it is "culture shock." The language, food, buildings, and people are so different. The Mandarin Chinese language in particular is difficult, because the tones and pronunciations are not the same as ours. It is also hard for us, because you cannot read the signs on the streets and stores. So, getting around the city is a challenge, because very few people speak English. The food is also the polar opposite of American food. There are no similarities at all. It was very hard to get used to, but I am adjusting. One thing that I love about Taiwan is the people. I love them all! They are the sweetest people I have ever met. They give so much to us, and go out of their way to make sure that we are okay. I love my host family and my teaching assistants; they have made this transition easier. I cannot wait to see what this adventure in Taiwan holds for me!


Danielle Hess: 
Being able to come back to Taiwan is an amazing feeling. Not only do I get the chance to come back and teach the students of San Sin again, but I get the opportunity to experience the culture and diversity that is Taiwan. The first few days back in Taiwan are the hardest, not only with the jet lag, but getting accustomed to a completely different way of life. I feel like every time I am here, I learn something new, like how to order my favorite tea or a better way to get to a favorite spot. I learn how to deal with situations made more difficult by language barriers, and how to make the students interested in what I have to say (as a teacher, that feels like a constant struggle).