Written by Vivia Chen, Local Roommate for CET Taiwan, Spring, Summer, and Fall 2025
Last season, I made unforgettable memories with CET, so the moment the sign-up form was released, I didn’t hesitate to join again as a language partner for the summer. Honestly, it felt like coming back to a place where I belonged—like reuniting with a familiar part of myself. The anticipation was almost like waiting for a secret door to open, one that leads to laughter, learning, and unexpected friendships.
Meeting McKenzie from Chicago
This time, I got to spend the whole summer with a cool girl—McKenzie from Chicago. It was just two months, but we still managed to try so many things together: watching a dragon boat race, making pottery, visiting a bird café, and even trying Chicago-style pizza right here in Taipei! That was literally a cultural exchange, a delicious one at that. It’s funny how sharing food can be such a shortcut to understanding each other better—one bite of that cheesy, crispy pizza and suddenly our worlds felt a little closer.
We’re both interested in philosophy, but as you can imagine, it’s not easy to explain such deep topics in a second language—especially since neither of us had studied philosophy in our second language before. Still, we made the effort to discuss and express our thoughts to each other, and that process itself was meaningful. It wasn’t about perfect words or flawless grammar—it was about connecting through ideas and being patient with each other’s pace. Those late-night conversations sometimes felt like puzzles we solved together, piece by piece, and each moment was a small victory.
鎮西堡 Three-Day Trip
McKenzie is such a bird lover. During our three-day trip to 鎮西堡, we went for walks during our free time, and she pointed out different birds and shared her knowledge with me. I learned so much from her—not just about birds, but also about seeing the world with curiosity and respect. Her passion was contagious, and it made me realize how often we overlook the small wonders around us.
The hotel’s cat seemed to love McKenzie, always curling up next to her like they’d known each other forever. At night, a group of us gathered to play “Peanut Butter,” filling the quiet mountains with laughter that seemed to echo into the trees. The giant sacred trees there stood in solemn silence, making us feel so small yet deeply connected to nature. Sitting around the campfire, making millet mochi—those moments felt like a gentle reminder that life’s simplest joys are often the most profound.
I’m really glad I joined that trip—not only did I make new friends, but I also got to spend more time with McKenzie. We laughed, played, learned about indigenous culture, ate countless peaches, and ended the trip with a great hike on the last day. It was the kind of experience that stays with you long after you’ve gone back home. Also, as her language partner, I’ve seen how much McKenzie has improved her Mandarin—it’s like watching a flower bloom right before my eyes, and I feel proud of the progress she’s made.
More Friends!
I also went on a Hualien trip with a lovely group—Kimberly, Ren, Cece, and Andrew—which added even more wonderful memories to my summer. We decided to have this trip just a day before, which made it feel spontaneous and full of adventure. On the first day, Cece accidentally locked the keys inside the locker, and we couldn’t stop laughing at the chaos. Honestly, those little disasters make the best stories later. By the way, I also heard Cece’s sleep talking is a hilarious mix of Mandarin and English—definitely a language blend worth hearing!
We paddled swan boats on Liyu Lake, enjoying the calm water and the slow countryside vibe. Driving with the windows down, feeling the breeze, and listening to cheerful music as we headed up the mountain to see the stunning Hualien scenery—it was pure freedom. Those moments where time seems to stretch, and worries melt away, are exactly what I needed.
It’s been a week since they left Taiwan, and I already miss them. But I’m sure we’ll meet again—because friends like these don’t just fade away. Also, I can’t wait to be the local roommate next season—ready to show them all my favorite hidden spots and make even more memories. After all, the best summers are the ones shared with people who turn simple moments into stories worth remembering.