In the summer of 2024, I traveled to Taiwan to study abroad. The school I attended was Chung Yuan Christian University, 中原大学, taking chinese language courses and interning with the emergency services club, fire department, and a research lab. Upon arrival I realized just how different an asian country like Taiwan truly was. The city and town layout was completely different from that of American cities and towns, with tightly narrowed roadways and stacked buildings spread across a maze of streets. Also unlike America, the majority of vehicles on the roads were mopeds whereas America is typically majority cars. 7-11s were on every corner, were filled with snacks I had never heard of, and were the main place for people to find an ATM when needed. The biggest culture shock I experienced, however, was train etiquette. While I have experienced trains and subways in New York, bustling with sounds and eccentric people and activities, Taiwan had a completely different norm with everyone being extremely quiet and respectful of their surroundings. I was embarrassed to be getting looks when having a slightly too loud conversation and quickly assimilated to the quiet, respectful norm. The toilets were also a bit of a culture shock as some of them, specifically the ones on campus, were rooted in the ground, “squat toilets.” Though I never used one, it was still quite a shock to even see.

As for my educational experience in Taiwan,  I expected to improve my language skills to an extent, but not to the extent that I really improved. The classes taught there left me with more vocabulary than I expected and slang words to use to sound more native when going out with local friends. I was able to utilize these words in settings that caused locals to be genuinely impressed with my grasp of the language and welcome me to the country with open arms. I also learned many medical terms and techniques through the EMS club at the university. Students who had already gone through the training taught me what they had learned completely in Chinese. This was probably the most difficult thing I had to experience while at the university as learning already challenging words in a foreign language proved hard. With their help and patience I persevered and learned not only medical techniques in Chinese, but also English; things I can use for the rest of my career. I also researched with a lab performing micro needle trials on mice. This was in an attempt to find a less invasive and more effective way to administer medicine directly to affected areas through the epidermis, directly into the dermis. This lab experience, the making of the micro needles and studying the effects of administration, is something I had never experienced before, even in America. It has helped me to be more comfortable in a lab setting and further solidified my interest in health practices. 

As stated previously, my education at the university allowed me to better communicate with and feel welcome around locals. For instance, the owners of a restaurant that we frequented near the school became very friendly with me and my classmates. They were impressed with our language skills and ability to assimilate so quickly to Taiwanese culture that we became good friends. We were able to meet their family and they loved us so much that I was given the honor to give one of their children an English name. They shared cultural food with us and taught us how to play games such as majong and dice. I felt such a connection to these people and their lifestyle, more than I originally thought possible. One of my teachers that traveled with us from Clemson University was also a Taiwan native. One day, we had the opportunity to travel to her hometown and see where she grew up. This was probably my most memorable and enriching experience I had in the country. Instead of just tourist attractions and center city areas, I was able to see local life in her old high school, old neighborhood, and frequented restaurants and temples. She taught us how to pray and utilize the temples she used to visit as a kid.     

Overall, I think the experiences I gained from visiting Taiwan benefit me not only in my professional and academic life, with the knowledge of the Chinese language and medical terminology, but also as a person. The acceptance into another culture that I felt broadened my perspective on human interaction and the importance of cultural exchange; an importance and knowledge I try to convey to and impart upon everyone I meet with an interest outside of their own norm. I will visit Taiwan again, this time with friends and family, feeling as one of their own. ​