Written by Adelaide Britten (Duke University), Student Correspondent for CET Taiwan, Summer 2025
If someone told me a few weeks ago that I’d be brewing traditional Taiwanese tea on a mountain, learning about ancient deities in hidden hillside temples, and hand-crafting a dinosaur out of clay—all before finishing my first month in Taipei—I’m not sure I would’ve believed them.
But here we are.
From the moment the CET program began, it was clear that this experience was going to be very immersive—not just academically, but culturally, linguistically, and socially. Our first days consisted of numerous scavenger hunts, city walks, and guided adventures that helped turn the unfamiliar into the familiar.
Scavenger Hunts and Side Quests
Our first group activity was a citywide scavenger hunt designed to help us feel comfortable navigating Taipei. What made it special wasn’t just the destinations—it was the people we did it with. Each group included CET students, local roommates, and Taiwanese language partners, so right from the start, we were building relationships that would shape the next few weeks.
Armed with Google maps and a list of unknown places, we started exploring the city, laughing our way through MRT stations, busy street corners, and tucked-away shops. We learned where to go if we needed a health clinic, how to withdraw cash from 7-Eleven ATMs, where to find everyday materials, and even how to print our own postcard from a convenience store kiosk.
The final stop of our scavenger hunt was a side quest to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. After racing around the city, we took a moment to simply enjoy the beautiful architecture and museum history.
Tea House and Temples
The next CET excursion was nothing short of magical: a hike through Maokong, one of the most scenic areas just outside of Taipei. We started our journey with a gondola ride that gave us a whole view of Taipei and the mountains around us.
At the top, we arrived at a traditional tea house outlooking the mountainside. The view? Absolutely breathtaking. The tea master taught us how to properly brew several types of Taiwanese tea, from oolong to honey-scented varieties. There was something almost meditative about the process—pouring water at just the right temperature, steeping for the perfect amount of time, then sipping slowly to appreciate the depth of flavor.
We snacked on delicate tea cakes, dried mangoes, nuts, and dried meats that balanced sweet and savory in the most satisfying way.
But the day didn’t end there. After tea, we began our hike back down the mountain, stopping to see waterfalls and three separate temples along the way. At the first temple, we learned about the different gods worshipped in Taiwan—some of whom were completely new to me—and how they represent everything from protection in travel to academic success. The mix of nature, history, and spirituality made this one of the most memorable days I’ve had here.
Pottery Without Words
Of all the activities so far, the trip to Yingge—a small town famous for its pottery—might have been the most surprising. Not just because of the art itself, but because of the experience of creating it entirely in Chinese.
When we arrived at the pottery studio, the instructors welcomed us with smiles and started explaining everything…all in Chinese. Using gestures, slow speech, and lots of encouragement, the instructors guided us step by step through the process of throwing clay on a wheel.
At first, my hands didn’t quite know what to do. The spinning clay had a mind of its own. But with each attempt, I got a little better. I even found ways to ask for help—mixing what Chinese I knew with body language and laughter. It was humbling, but also incredibly rewarding.
Eventually, I shaped Diggie the Dino, who will function as my cute jewelry holder. Watching everyone around me create vases, bowls, animals, and abstract art really showed how much personality and creativity each person brought to the table. And I genuinely can’t wait to see how my little dinosaur turns out after firing and glazing.
Pineapple Cakes
Pineapple cakes are one of my favorite sweet treats—they strike the perfect balance of sweetness without being overwhelming. So when CET offered a pineapple cake-making class, I signed up immediately.
We headed to the Kuo Yuan Ye Museum of Cake and Pastry. We accidentally walked into the gift shop area first, and I got even more excited knowing I’d soon be making my own. Upstairs, the classroom was already set up with all the ingredients and tools laid out neatly. Our guide explained the instructions in both Chinese and English, which made the experience feel even more immersive and fun.
The baking started with a quick rundown of our ingredients: butter, sugar, flour, eggs, and the star of the show—pineapple filling. We began by whipping the butter and sugar until it was light and fluffy, then folded in the flour and egg to form a smooth dough. Once the dough was ready, we split it into ten even portions, filled each one with the pineapple jam, and pressed them into square molds. The best part? We got to stamp the tops with our own designs. I chose a dinosaur for mine, which felt very on brand.
While the cakes baked, we explored the cultural museum connected to the bakery. We tried on traditional Taiwanese clothing, learned about different belief systems, and played a few traditional games. Soon, the delicious scent of fresh pineapple cakes pulled us back downstairs. They came out perfectly golden with a slight crisp on the outside. Before leaving, we learned how to wrap them properly, folding each one like a little gift and placing them in a box to take home.
Afterward, we browsed the gift shop, which had an amazing variety of delicate pastries, mochi, and of course, beautifully packaged pineapple cakes. The whole day was a perfect blend of culture, food, and creativity—and I left with not only a box of sweets, but a much deeper appreciation for Taiwanese baking culture.
CET Day Trip
For the CET day trip, all the students and our local roommates joined. We started the day at the Juming Museum, where we had plenty of time to walk around and explore. The museum was filled with lots of sculptures, beautiful landscapes, and peaceful scenery—it was such a cool mix of art and nature.
After soaking it all in, we had lunch and then jumped into some group activities. We played games like Chinese slang guessing, chopstick battles, charades, and more. It was all part of a team competition, and guess what—my team took first place! We won a 500 NT voucher to 7-Eleven (which is basically gold in Taiwan, let’s be real).
One of the more heartfelt parts of the day was when we wrote letters to our roommates and others we’ve met throughout the program. It was a really sweet way to reflect and show appreciation for the connections we’ve made. Once we finished writing the letter we put them into red envelopes and got to read all the messages.
To wrap up the trip, we headed to the beach. The water was beautiful, so a bunch of us jumped in. It got a little wild when a few students got stung by jellyfish (they’re okay!), so…note to future swimmers: be careful! The day ended with a gorgeous sunset on the bus ride home.