Written by Omiete Williams (Texas A&M University), Student Correspondent for CET Taiwan, Summer 2023
A night market in Tainan.
It’s officially been one month in Taiwan! The academic rigor here in Taiwan and at NTU has truly kept me on my toes! The course I have been taking has pushed me further in my studies and in my language level. My Chinese language class in Taiwan has been the key to unlocking a deeper understanding of the local culture and people. The immersive environment and daily interactions with native speakers helped accelerate my language-learning journey.
Each class is truly an opportunity to step closer to learning more and more each day. Each class and its methods are designed differently by the professors. For my class, our days consist of going through the textbook, partaking in 聽寫 (dictation quizzes), previewing and reviewing chapters thoroughly, and testing our knowledge through quizzes and exams.
(Left) A sign at a park in Tainan that gives me the chance to practice reading characters. (Right) Putting my Chinese listening skills to the test on a educational boat ride.
Each class day is genuinely different, as is the homework load each night. Sometimes homework and previewing for class can be quite extensive, taking up to three hours. Other times, it may be more manageable, allowing us to complete it in around 30 minutes. While the week can feel long and challenging, it’s incredibly rewarding to see my progress and witness how the material we learn in class gradually becomes a part of our daily lives..
But it’s not all about the classroom! One of the great things about studying in Taiwan is the opportunity to apply what we learn outside of class. Whether it’s ordering food at local restaurants, striking up conversations, or exploring the bustling night markets, each experience becomes a chance to practice and reinforce our language skills. It’s these real-life interactions that truly solidify our understanding and appreciation of the language and culture. One of my favorite ways to learn more words and talk to more people is at night markets. The various types of items and food that are there allow you to ask so many questions
Taking a trip to Tainan after a long 3 day school week.
As I reflect on my first month in Taiwan, I’m amazed at how much I’ve grown academically and linguistically. The academic rigor and the immersive language environment have challenged and inspired me to strive for excellence in my studies. While the journey may have its ups and downs, the joy of seeing progress and the ability to use what I’ve learned in my daily life make every moment worth it.