Alumni | Advisors & Faculty | Contact

CET Academic Programs

Study abroad programs for college and gap students

Photo Essay: CET Taiwan

Photos by Nicola Kalderash (University of Washington- Seattle), Student Correspondent CET Taiwan Summer 2019

You know I don’t know what else I need to say here, it’s a freaking monkey in the wild! Don’t worry, I didn’t feed it and it didn’t attack anyone or anything or steal stuff as sometimes monkeys do, you know they’re always up to serious shenanigans, especially if they are exposed to humans. They were really tiny though and cute. One even had a baby with them!
After our hike we visited an indigenous restaurant that served the food style of the natives of Taiwan. This is some succulent fish. I have more photos of the food but this I felt is the most photogenic shot I have. It was pretty tasty but I think the chef gave us too much food and especially fish. We had ten people and it took half the tables effort to finish this plate of fish and then he gave us another one! In Taiwan, they really don’t like you wasting food as they are so progressively environmentally focused. So it was a tough bind. We found a way though. Prepare to explode on the food while you’re here.
This literally some of the scenery. I have no words for beauty like this. It was awe inspiring seeing it in person. Worth the hike to the bridge to see it.
On part of the mountain is a gorgeous temple overlooking the amazing scenery. I swear it’s like out of a movie. You got some fog in the distance making it look mystical and it’s so high up. Truly pictures don’t do it justice. I meditated up there with the cool breeze blowing. Not cause I decided I’m gonna start meditating in some sort of cultural appropriation awakening. I actually have been meditating for over 500 days straight (my app tracks it), and I figured this spot was perfect. It was.
Backtrack to the first night we got into Hualien, we visited a famed Taiwanese night market. Here’s me drinking some 西瓜汁。Watermelon Juice. These markets are a lifeblood of the country although the country has been pushing back in its idea of modernizing to limit how many are in operation. But they are fun, full of games, food and fun. Amelia and Alex are looking at me in amusement. Haha.
Coming to Taiwan you’ll meet many friends if you just keep your mind and heart open. Here is someone I met from Hong Kong who complimented me on my Mandarin and we talked about the recent protests among other things. If you come to Taiwan, don’t be shy to talk to people. It is a language after all and you can only get better by speaking and yes, messing up. You never know who you can meet if you do!
Here’s a view as seen by train on our way to Hualien. Wanted to share the beautiful forestry that exists and can be seen when you’re here outside the city. Remember Taiwan is very environmentally focused and only on these long hauls do they allow you to eat and drink. Otherwise you’re expressly forbidden and could even be fined on the Metro. So don’t do it!
Of course, we wouldn’t be students and people if we didn’t have some late-night fun! After having unlimited all you can eat hot pot for only $15 American (including Häagen-Dazs ice cream and other deserts!) we went to a KTV that had a lot of American songs and we belted our lungs out. It really was a lot of fun. KTV is karaoke where you get your own private room that usually has some soundproofing. These rooms can be very luxurious or holes in the wall. The quality of the room dictates the price usually and what’s on offer as you can usually eat and drink in these rooms if you’re willing to pay extra.
Same night we went to KTV a few of us then decided to get a nightcap of drinks and went to an open bar neighborhood where you could sit outside in the street. Now I have to advocate not to drink if you’re underage. I don’t condone this behavior BUT drinking is permitted and legal at 18 in Taiwan versus the U.S. So, if you’re 18; have fun, responsibly of course. Taiwan in Taipei has an amazing nightlife, so if you’re a night owl you’ll find a lot to keep you entertained. Including many clubs. But be prepared for an amazingly long line to get into some of those clubs. I prefer more of this kind of late-night nightlife then blaring and packed clubs, but to each their own.

Okay, that’s a wrap for my second entry. As you can see there is a lot of fun exploring the city and the outskirts and I hope if you come here you don’t forget to enjoy and experience that otherwise you’ll miss out. Not every day you’re in Taiwan. So take advantage of it on top of your intense studying! And party responsibly. Take it from a me, computer science major. Haha.

Talk to you all soon!

-Nicola

***

Cover photo caption: Greetings from Toroko Gorge! In this edition of my photo blog I’m going to share some more of the locals we had the pleasure of visiting since my first update. This is me at Taroko Gorge. A hiking mountain in Hualian (華聯). The scenery was beautiful but it was very hot and humid. But coming to Taiwan during the summer, you know this is a given and should be prepared for it. Pack sunscreen and bug spray, you’ll need it.

Learn More about our Programs!