Studying abroad in Taiwan provided me with an opportunity to develop a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity while strengthening my ability to communicate in a foreign language. During my time at Chung Yuan Christian University in Zhongli, I participated in an intensive academic program that challenged me to approach learning from a different perspective. Immersing myself in an unfamiliar environment forced me to  be more comfortable with change, adjust to the culture, and apply my Mandarin skills beyond the classroom. Rather than relying solely on textbooks and lectures to understand Taiwanese culture, I gained valuable knowledge by interacting with the locals, exploring different parts of the country, and experiencing everyday life in a new environment. These experiences taught me that understanding another culture requires more than understanding its language or customs; it involves actively engaging with people and recognizing different perspectives.​

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Exploring Taiwan allowed me to encounter unfamiliar foods, navigate new surroundings, and become more comfortable adapting to different ways of life. Each of these experiences presented opportunities to develop greater independence and problem-solving abilities. Being forced to use my Mandarin skills everday to interact with the locals was incredibly beneficial to my language skills development as well. These challenges encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone when communicating with others and more willing to embrace situations that initially felt unfamiliar. I also believe this helped me improve my social skills and gave me a much better understanding of the relationship between language and culture beyond just ordinary lecture-style language learning.

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One of my favorite moments from the Taiwan Study Abroad trip was participating in the Helping Hands Project at a local high school in Zhongli. Through this initiative, I had the opportunity to interact directly with Taiwanese students and participate in a meaningful exchange of knowledge. Instead of simply observing Taiwanese traditions from an outside perspective, I was able to learn about the experiences and viewpoints of individuals who grew up within that culture. Sharing information about American society while listening to students describe their lives in Taiwan gave me a better understanding of how cultural backgrounds influence people's beliefs and decisions. Our interactions also encouraged me to reconsider assumptions I had previously taken for granted about my own culture. I came to recognize that concepts such as academic achievement, personal responsibility, and community involvement can be understood differently depending on the society in which people are raised. This experience demonstrated the importance of approaching cultural differences with curiosity rather than judgment.

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The lessons I gained from studying abroad will continue to influence my academic, professional, and personal goals. As I prepare for a career in international business, I recognize that successful professional relationships often depend on the ability to understand different perspectives and communicate effectively across cultural boundaries. My time in Taiwan helped me begin developing these qualities by placing me in situations where I had to navigate unfamiliar customs and interact with people whose experiences differed from my own. The Helping Hands Project was particularly valuable in demonstrating how listening carefully and approaching others with respect can establish stronger connections and encourage mutual understanding.​

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Another important aspect of my study abroad experience was learning how Taiwanese cultural values influence communication and relationships. Through my classes and interactions with local people, I gained a greater appreciation for the importance of respect, social harmony, and maintaining positive relationships. I learned about the concept of mianzi, or “face,” which refers to a person's dignity, reputation, and social standing. Understanding this concept helped me recognize why communication styles can differ between cultures and why people may sometimes express disagreement indirectly to avoid embarrassing others. I also learned about guanxi, which emphasizes the importance of developing relationships and networks of trust. These cultural concepts helped me understand that effective communication involves more than speaking the same language; it also requires recognizing the social expectations and values that influence how people interact. This knowledge will be particularly useful in my future career because international business often requires professionals to build trust and maintain relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds.

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Food and dining customs also played an important role in helping me experience Taiwanese culture beyond the classroom. Visiting local night markets and restaurants allowed me to explore traditional foods while observing how people gathered to socialize and spend time together. These experiences helped me recognize how food can serve as a way to bring people together, share traditions, and strengthen personal relationships. Trying unfamiliar dishes also encouraged me to remain open-minded and appreciate experiences that differed from what I was accustomed to in the United States. In addition, interacting with restaurant workers and vendors gave me practical opportunities to use Mandarin in everyday situations, reinforcing the connection between language learning and cultural understanding. Looking back, I realize that even ordinary activities, such as ordering a meal or shopping at a night market, contributed to my overall education abroad. These experiences strengthened my adaptability and cultural awareness, qualities that I hope to apply when working with international customers, colleagues, and business partners in the future.