Taiwan

Elise Hu
MU in Taipei at National Chengchi University, Winter Semester 2002

"For an experience on the other side of the world that will undoubtedly force you to leave your comfort zone and move at a fast, "city" kind of pace at the same time, Taipei is it. I was so fortunate to have an opportunity to travel there as part of MU's exchange with National ChengChi University. The Taiwanese are friendly people who can all speak at least a little English, and the place is a unique cross between a highly technologically developed city and a beautiful tropical landscape.

"At ChengChi, I learned to read and write at least 250 Chinese characters and improve my speech. I also interned at an English language daily paper there called "The Taipei Times." It was an amazing time to be in Taipei, because within the last decade the island of Taiwan has undergone such rapid change, growing into an economic powerhouse and a democracy at the same time. The most fun part of Taiwan, however, is the sense that although you are in a big city, you are part of a close-knit community. Everyone there seemed to be "in it together," and the relationships I forged there as a study abroad student were among the strongest bonds of my life. The nightlife is absolutely non-stop and incredible - Taipei is a 24-hour city with people out at all hours; great food is EVERYWHERE; and there are more nightclubs and bars to choose from than you'd ever want. I didn't miss out on learning, either. I learned about government and language at school, indeed. But most importantly, I learned to step out of my box by being in Taiwan. It was the most formative experience of my life. Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions." E-mail: ehc8a@mizzou.edu.