I have come to the finale of my adventure as a student in Taiwan, the question is what have I learnt? And indeed, what have I taken from my year in Taiwan? Well, to answer that question, a great deal many things have been learned. First and foremost, I would say is my understanding and ability to live properly on my own, to be completely independent and away from both my friends and family. The second major thing that really sticks out in my mind is the fact that I have come to realize the foundations that are needed and required, things that we often take for granted in places that we have lived our entire lives, the most important of which would be registering with the authorities, having a stable address and setting up a local bank account. I mean just the bank alone was a huge quality of life difference from not having one to then having one, as it made a huge day to day difference in completely simple tasks. Although it’s not entirely necessary, I would highly recommend setting up a local bank account if you’re planning on living away for a year as it made applying for visas for holidays as well as other stuff, whilst I was there, far easier (I also saved a fortune of withdrawal fees. It also means that if I choose to return to Taiwan, getting a visa is just that much easier because I have a history of a bank account there.
The next major lesson that I’ve learned is an appreciation for not only my home and it’s many unique qualities (and my mum the best house mate of all time) but also an appreciation for my new home and all of the things that made it special to me. For instance, did you know that I have stayed in this wonderful country for almost an entire year and I have not once had to cook a single meal, like literally nothing, I could just go out and buy a three-course meal and it would cost me £7 maximum, which is roughly the cost of mocha Frapachino in Starbucks in England, I mean that’s just crazy. Also, I discovered the absolutely fantastic restaurant known as din tai fung, dare I say it, an absolutely legendary restaurant franchise that originated in Taiwan and I am excited to say two restaurants are coming to London by the end of the year, I would do yourself a favor and go try it as the food is just phenomenal (that sentence wasn’t sponsored by the way).
However, that not to say there isn’t heart break from leaving Taiwan, I think of all the people I will miss I will miss my ladies the most. They say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and after spending almost a year in Taiwan without having to cook a single meal I couldn’t agree more. One of the things I will miss most about Taiwan are the ladies who have and cooked my dinners for the last year. For contextual information as I keep mentioning it; here in Taiwan no one cooks everyone normally just goes out to get food as the weather is to hot so kitchens get really hot, hence the culture of never cooking at home. Most of the shops in the local night market are run by the elderly, as I have been here for a while I have become a regular at many of the local market stalls, due to my regularity many of the local owners have come out and chat to me (in Chinese). They have all been very sweet and a good mum replacement (heads up I recommend being friendly and polite as they would often give me a little bit extra). It’s one of the things that I think is truly very unique about Taiwan and will always stick out in my mind as one of those truly lovely and sweet experiences that I will miss coming home and having to cook my own meals.
I will also admit a year abroad is not without is difficulties, for instance Christmas was very hard for me, I was alone, I mean I went to an exam on Christmas Day, I was away from my family. Christmas abroad in a country that doesn’t celebrate the holiday is very isolating and it was really the first time when I was abroad that I really did feel home sick and away from my home and all that was familiar. However, I persevered and got over it. Also, I have been informed secretly by my brother that my mum, upon return to my home, has already laid out my Christmas, birthday, and Easter presents in their own little section within my bedroom and my mum fully intends to celebrate the missed holidays as a family. (but of course, I’m not supposed to know so shhhhhh)
So, ultimately my conclusion is if you are thinking about a year abroad I would whole heartlessly recommend it, but you have fully commit and put your whole heart into it and remember although there will be tough times there will also be good times, but when all Is said and done and you get to the end you will look back on the whole experience with pride, satisfaction and the knowledge that you can do whatever you set your mind to.
Reflections