Leland Blanchard
Provider: Project GO
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
2024 Summer
My time in Taiwan has opened my eyes to the privileges we have as Americans. Unlike Taiwan and the Taiwanese people, we don’t live under the constant threat of invasion and the overturning of our way of life. We aren’t reliant upon foreign nations for the preservation of our own security. The Taiwanese love America, Americans, and American culture — more than certain Americans do.
Me and my tutors, along with my classmate Will, at dinner. Typically, we all go to lunch or dinner together twice a week. Being American has its perks: people would try and talk to me in English, give me food and drinks, and even take pictures with me. My red-haired friend Brendan even got pulled by the arm to the nearest 7/11 and was bought an ice cream cone. My tutors said this was normal and the Taiwanese are just excited to see us. I’m certainly not complaining.
Aside from the very abundant mango desserts, I’ll miss the immersion aspect of studying abroad in Taiwan the most. There were times that I absolutely did not want to speak Mandarin – but I did it anyway. Even when I was tired or sick or wanted to go home, I sucked it up and practiced my Chinese. However, I know that I’ll also miss going out for dinner and boba every night with my friends. I’ll miss my professors and tutors. But all of that is outweighed by the prospect of returning to the Hill. Taiwan was cool, 可是 Hampden-Sydney 比酷酷 (I’m 90% sure that’s Chinese for Hampden-Sydney is cooler).
I’d advise students preparing to go on a Global Ed or other study abroad program to do their research on where they’re going. Once I arrived in Taiwan and started classes, the days and weeks passed by far too quickly. Find and make a list of everything you want to see, eat, and experience. Come up with a few mock itineraries for when you get a day or even just a couple hours of free time. Go on Reddit, Google, and ask around – there’s a chance one of your friends or professors or family members has been where you want to go.
One weekend, I went to Taipei on a whim. I met up with my friend Savannah (pictured), at Hooters, near Taipei 101 (once the tallest building in the world). In this photo, she is losing the Hooters hula hooping competition. Shortly after this photo was taken, I won the Taiwanese Hooters hula hooping competition. The takeaway is simple: dive headfirst into your study abroad experience.
Specific to Taiwan, I’d advise prospective study abroad students to get off the main island. My day in Xiaoliuqiu (where the turtles are) was so much cooler than just another day spent in Kaohsiung or even Taipei. Get way, way, way off the beaten path and throw yourself into the unknown. Eat the mystery meat. Don’t ask what it is. Stay off Google for restaurant recommendations – just eat where the lines are long. And every once in a while, go to McDonald’s to get a taste of home.
This was me in front of a cool looking rock on Xiaoliuqiu. It’s called the Vase Rock. Pro tip from an amateur: take the first ferry out in the morning, there are no crowds before 9am. We left Kaohsiung via Uber at 5:30 and, following the most turbulent 15-minute boat ride ever, made it to the island by 8.
Also, just about everyone who studies abroad gets sick at some point; prepare yourself to power through it. It sucks to get sick away from home, but it sucks even more to miss out on once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I was sick at least three times, but I ignored it and went on my way.
This is me on Xiaoliuqiu, in the Genocide Cave (named as a result of the Lamey Island Massacre). I did not know that at the time of this picture. I was hot, very tired, and ready to leave. It was 10 am. But I bought coffee and had a great time! Do not let temporary feelings take away from permanent experiences. Yet another pro tip from an amateur: do not stay out on the town until 4am the night before you travel to Xiaoliuqiu; it’s not worth it. Xiaoliuqiu is not as fun as it could be on 30 minutes of sleep.
PS: take pictures of yourself (not just what you see or do). Your mother will very much appreciate it.