My Experience Studying Chinese in Taiwan
Studying in Taiwan from 2014 to 2016 was a unique experience filled with both advantages and challenges. As part of my master’s program scholarship, I was required to take four Chinese classes. I studied diligently because a friend mistakenly told me that my scholarship renewal depended on my Chinese scores. Although he was wrong, the effort I put into studying paid off in many ways.
One of the significant benefits of studying Chinese was the relief it provided from the rigorous lab and coursework. Attending Chinese classes was a welcome break and an opportunity to meet other foreigners like myself, offering a comforting connection with people who were also navigating life in a new country. For example, one of my classmates guided me to a vegetarian restaurant that I never knew about.
Learning Chinese brought many amusing and enlightening moments. For instance, every time I entered a 7-11 at, let’s say, 10:00 PM, the staff would greet me with “Huang guan ling,” which means “welcome,” but for me, that sounded like “good morning”. Initially, I was puzzled why they would say “good morning” so late at night. It was a delightful realization that I wasn’t alone—my classmate heard the same “good morning” phrase at night, and we laughed a lot about it. This shared experience reminded me that, despite our different backgrounds, we had similar experiences still.
Watching this mysterious language unfold before my eyes was like seeing a tunnel light up one segment at a time. The complexity and beauty of Chinese were fascinating, and each class felt like a new adventure in understanding.
However, not all aspects of the classes were perfect. Some students took the class for fun and disrupted the learning process. On one occasion, I had to scold two students who were constantly talking while the teacher was explaining an important grammar rule. I believe teachers need to clearly signal when it’s time to be serious and when it’s okay to relax.
I have great admiration for all my Chinese teachers, except one who was overly nice and avoided making students feel uncomfortable. While kindness is important, maintaining discipline and focus in the classroom is equally crucial for effective learning.
Studying Chinese in Taiwan was a memorable and enriching experience. It provided me with cultural insights, lifelong friendships, and a deep appreciation for the Chinese language. Despite the challenges, the journey was rewarding and left me with a sense of accomplishment and a better understanding of a beautiful and complex language.
