Written by Aiden Loya (University of Wisconsin, Madison), Student Correspondent for CET Taiwan, Fall 2024
Studying abroad is a blend of two experiences: immersing yourself in a new culture and, of course, studying. CET Taiwan stands out because most of your studying is focused entirely on Chinese. Every level in the Chinese Language Division (CLD) has its own challenges. For me, one of the toughest has been learning how to read and write traditional characters. I love the opportunity to study both traditional and simplified scripts, but each comes with its own difficulties. Developing good study habits and finding ways to integrate the “abroad” experience into studying has been key to my success. In this blog,
Get to Know Your Classmates
My first tip for anyone taking a CLD course is to get to know your classmates. Not all of them will be CET students, but they’ll all play a role in your success. Spending three hours together every day from Monday to Friday gives you a chance to bond quickly, and soon enough, you’ll find yourself studying together or reminding each other about assignment deadlines.
Buy Stationery Locally
One of the biggest pieces of advice I have for anyone studying Chinese in a Chinese-speaking country is: buy your stationery locally. Some of my classmates brought their own supplies from home, but I promise that using a college-ruled notebook for writing Chinese characters is a mistake. Chinese characters take up more space than English letters, so locally made stationery is designed to fit the characters better. Plus, Taiwanese stationery is much cuter than what you’d find back home. I often use Sanrio stickers and colorful Muji pens to stay motivated while studying.
Establish a Pre-Class or Post-Class Routine
Beyond having the right tools, establishing a solid pre- or post-class routine is also essential for success. In America, I usually like to go straight home after class and unwind by watching TV. But in Taiwan, knowing my time is limited, I’ve found other ways to relax that help me stay focused.
My favorite activity in this city surrounded by mountains is hiking. Elephant Mountain, or 象山 (Xiàngshān), is one of my favorite spots—it’s just two metro stops away and offers some of the best views of Taipei. While it can get crowded on weekends, I usually go after my morning Chinese class when it’s quieter.
Another activity I love is exploring new lunch and dinner spots with my language partner. Taipei’s food scene is incredible, with influences from Taiwan, Japan, and beyond, making it one of the world’s culinary capitals. Taking a break to enjoy the city has definitely contributed to my academic success.
Be Gentle with Yourself
When studying abroad, especially in a vibrant city like Taipei, it’s important to be gentle with yourself. Classes and studying can feel more intense here because you want to absorb as much as possible. However, language growth isn’t linear, and sometimes it’s more beneficial to explore the city and practice Chinese in real-life situations rather than sit in a cold library for hours.
My experience with the CLD course has been amazing—the professors care deeply about your progress and are incredibly supportive. I can’t express enough how much I love being able to study Chinese every day and see my growth when I use the language outside the classroom.