Written by Adelaide Britten (Duke University), Student Correspondent for CET Taiwan, Summer 2025
Spending time in Taiwan has been one of the most enriching and memorable experiences of my life. From studying Chinese to exploring bustling night markets, working on tech projects, and building friendships with locals—every day has felt like a new adventure. Here’s a look into what a typical day looks like for me, along with some tips and takeaways if you’re considering a similar journey.
A Day in My Life in Taiwan
Most of my weekdays start early around 7am. After grabbing breakfast, I take the MRT to class. I’ve truly loved learning the language, and my teacher has played a huge part in that. She’s incredibly engaging and ensures that everyone understands the new vocabulary and grammar making learning feel natural and fun.
After class, I usually grab lunch at the NTU cafeteria with friends. It’s affordable, convenient, and a great way to try local dishes. Once I’ve refueled, I head to the NTU Sport Center to get in a quick gym session. Having access to such a clean, well-equipped gym has made it easier to stay active during my stay.
In the afternoon, I go to my internship at KK Intelligent Technologies. I work for about 3.5 hours three days a week. My internship deals with robots and STEAM education. The work is incredibly dynamic. I’ve built robots, written sample code, translated documents, and helped create presentations, agendas, and schedules for robotics competitions. I even get to listen to product pitches and give feedback. One of my favorite responsibilities has been helping with internship advertisements and outreach. It’s a fantastic mix of tech, creativity, and communication.
After work, I usually find a cozy cafe to do homework or explore a new part of Taipei. For dinner, I often head to one of the many night markets. The energy, the street food, the variety—it never gets old.
Living Like a Local
One of the best parts of my time in Taiwan has been connecting with local roommates and language partners. Sharing a living space with locals has given me invaluable cultural insight. We also have weekly dinners. They’ve helped me pick up new Chinese words and local tips I wouldn’t have learned in class.
Through my language partners, I’ve been able to practice speaking Chinese while also forming real friendships. One highlight was a recent weekend trip to Taichung with my language partner. We visited Rainbow Village, watched the sunset at Gaomei Wetlands, ate the famous Miyahara ice cream, took in the city lights from a scenic overlook, and wandered through Feng Chia Night Market. These kinds of experiences make cultural exchange feel fun and meaningful.
Weekend Adventures & Easy Travel
On days without my internship, I love traveling around northern Taiwan. Thanks to the island’s excellent public transportation, it’s easy and affordable to take spontaneous day trips. Some of my favorite destinations so far have been hiking in Yangmingshan, sightseeing in Keelung, and visiting museums (especially the National Palace Museum).
Biking has also been a surprisingly easy and enjoyable way to get around. With well-marked lanes and Youbike stations everywhere, it’s a fast and fun way to explore the city.
Overnight trip to Cinsbu
I also had the opportunity to join CET on an overnight trip to Cinsbu. This place is a remote mountain village and home to the indigenous Tayal people of Taiwan. What made this trip so special wasn’t just the stunning scenery—it was the chance to step into a different way of life, to learn deeply about local traditions, and to connect with a community that treasures its land, history, and identity.
Before we left, CET gave us a cultural orientation where we learned about the history and traditions of the Tayal people before we left. We were introduced to Tayal customs and language. I even learned a few new Tayal words!
After class on Friday, I packed my bag and hopped on the bus headed into the mountains. The drive was very scenic —lush green hills, misty peaks, and winding roads that made the views feel endless. Along the way, we stopped at a small village and enjoyed some incredible salted pork and taro buns. They were rich and savory with the perfect balance of flavors. A quick pit stop at the famous 7/11 and we were back on the road. Finally, we arrived at our mountain lodge, which sat tucked away high above the valley. After a cozy home-cooked dinner and a fireside chat, we headed to bed in our shared bunkrooms to rest for the adventure-packed day ahead.
Saturday morning started early with another hearty homemade breakfast—our host was an amazing cook! We began the day with a welcoming blessing from a Tayal elder, a deeply respectful and spiritual moment that grounded the rest of the trip. From there, we visited a kiwi farm, where we learned how farming helps the Tayal people protect their land and maintain independence, while also supporting their economy. It was inspiring to see sustainability and cultural preservation go hand in hand.
Next, we toured a local church and school, where we learned about the unique way Christianity has been blended with Tayal culture, creating a spiritual identity that feels both modern and deeply rooted in tradition. Later, we visited a traditional Tayal house, offering a firsthand look at how the architecture reflects both practical needs and cultural meaning. Back at the lodge, we shared another delicious meal before diving into a weaving workshop, where we each made our own handmade keychains using traditional techniques. The night ended around the fire with fire-roasted mochis (sweet and smoky!) and a very competitive game of cards.
On Sunday, we woke up early for the highlight of the trip: a hike through the forest to see ancient cypress trees. These trees are sacred to the Tayal people, who have long protected them from poachers and illegal loggers. We heard a powerful story about how community members tracked down a thief who cut a block out of a tree and returned the stolen piece—restoring the tree as a symbol of resilience and respect. Seeing those massive trees in person, towering above us, was amazing. They felt alive with history.
After the hike, we began the journey back to Taipei, stopping along the way to buy fresh mountain peaches from a roadside stand—sweet, juicy, and the perfect end to the weekend.
The Cinsbu trip was without a doubt one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had during my time in Taiwan. From cultural lessons to personal reflections, delicious meals to breathtaking views, I left with a deeper appreciation for indigenous Taiwanese communities and the importance of preserving their stories. I’m so grateful I got to be part of it.
My Tips for Making the Most of Taiwan
Take advantage of public transport – The MRT, buses, and trains are all efficient, clean, and super easy to use.
Try new restaurants regularly – Taiwan is a food paradise! I made it a goal to try something new almost every day, and it’s led me to some of my favorite spots.
Get involved with locals – Having roommates, language partners, or even joining local clubs helps you understand the culture more deeply and improves your language skills in a natural way.
Don’t skip the night markets – They’re more than just food stalls; they’re the heartbeat of Taiwanese evening life.
Be open to spontaneity – Some of the best experiences come from unplanned trips and last-minute meetups.
Taiwan has quickly become a second home for me. The combination of language learning, real-world work experience, cultural immersion, and daily adventures has made this journey unforgettable. Whether I’m working on a robot prototype, trying stinky tofu at a night market, or hiking in the mountains, there’s always something new to discover.