Last year, I took the plunge and chose Taiwan as my study destination, much to the confusion of many who could not quite place it on the map, often mistaking it for Thailand.
The majority of travelers would tell you that one of the most notable aspects of Taiwan is Taiwanese hospitality. Taiwanese are renowned for their warmth and hospitality, and this extends to interactions with foreigners.
Now, I will admit, I did not exactly do any research before hopping on the plane. I went in blind, like a kid on the first day of school with no backpack and no clue where the classroom is.
Arriving in Kaohsiung, I found myself lost in a whirlwind of unfamiliarity.
With heavy suitcases and a foggy jet-lagged mind, I tripped on the stairs and fell with all my suitcases while desperately trying to find my way in the subway.
Just when I thought I could not sink any lower, a chorus of kindness emerged from the crowd. Strangers came to my rescue, offering assistance and translation.
They helped me go to my hotel and a few days later dropped me off at Wenzao University.
And let me tell you, navigating the bus system was like trying to crack the Da Vinci Code.
In Europe, such acts of kindness are not so frequent. People sometimes toss you a side-eye or walk away.
Yet in Taiwan, these acts of kindness seemed to be the norm. The openness and generosity extended beyond my initial encounters, shaping my entire experience abroad.
Whether it was hiking in the mountains or strolling through Siaoliouciou (小琉球), I was constantly met with friendly faces and welcoming gestures.
In Taiwan, strangers become friends in the blink of an eye.
A simple stroll through the market or a shared moment at a show can lead to unexpected connections and conversations, even sharing fruits and biscuits just like if you knew each other before.
It is this genuine warmth and openness that has not only helped me navigate life abroad, but has also enriched my experience in ways I could never have imagined.
Taiwan might not have been my first choice, but it has undoubtedly become a special place in my heart and my home for the past 10 months.
So, when people ask me: Why Taiwan? I simply smile and say: “Why not? It is a place worth visiting and why not live here? Its landscapes and culture are just waiting to be discovered.”
Lise Tournier is a student in the Department of International Affairs at Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages.
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