Written by Quila Gustave (Allegheny College), Student Correspondent for CET Taiwan, Spring 2023
Posing in 118 Street while admiring the scenery
Coming to Taiwan can be an exciting and nerve-wracking feeling. CET helps with orientation, where you learn about the program and make friends! For me, on the day of arrival, I went to the CET office and helped others with their luggage, and spoke to a few people! Then orientation began, and CET’s schedule allows you to still chat with others!
Molly and Elannah with our soup dumplings
I have met two friends, Molly and Elannah, to eat 汤包 (soup dumplings) in Da’an district!
Orientation also allows you to eat with your roommates to get to know each other. There is also a day when you and another group of language partners go explore around National Taiwan University.
Think you’re rusty in Chinese? Not to fear, language partners are here!
Syuan and I eating in the National Taiwan University Science and Tech cafeteria
Leyun and I ate Oolong soup near NTU in Gongguan
My language partners, Leyun and Syuan, both text me daily and meet with me weekly to help me with my Chinese as I help them with their English. We have gone to many places near National Taiwan University, like 118 Street, where all the cheap 牛肉面 (beef noodles) are!
After a while of eating a ton of rice, soups, and noodles, I got homesick, missed some other foods, and tried out a Cajun restaurant with more friends who also missed eating other things.
Getting a little homesick and trying out Cajun food
Taiwan still has plenty of things to see, such as Taipei 101, and great foods to try, like 地瓜球 (sweet potato balls) at night markets. I can’t wait to explore and take more pictures of places and food to share with you all!
