How Studying in Taiwan has Influenced My Habits and Personality

Each year in this beautiful island(Formosa), thousands of students pack up their lives into a couple suitcases, embrace their friends and parents for one last time and head off on the adventure of a lifetime. Studying abroad, especially in Taiwan is not only about attend the classes, write papers and cram for exams, it’s so much more for me. Perhaps it’s the most academic experience of any student’s tenure. But it’s not only what happens inside of the classroom, but rather, what happens outside of the classroom has the greatest impact on a student’s personality and habits.

I’m learning about a Taiwanese culture in a completely different way than what I’m accustomed to. By experiencing. Through this, Taiwan also changing my perspectives and personality. Trying to start conversation with local students, shopkeeper, ordering a food, and the tribulations of figuring out the transportation systems were the first steps. More than these, I learned most important skills such as critical thinking, self-confidence and independence.

Critical thinking: Many students in my country, no matter how defiant they are, tend to strive for their teacher’s support and approval. They look up teachers as a knowledgeable, well informed decision makers(well most of the time!). As a result, they don’t have their own opinions and point of views on something, they adopt the same beliefs held by their teachers. Rarely questioning the alternatives. Which is the exact same as an old USSR education system. However, I become immersed in Taiwanese culture which is totally different than my own, and similar to US, Taiwanese solid education system gave me a chance to start questioning my own beliefs.

Independence: I was an independent person before, but by managing to study here I have demonstrated this. I believe that now I have all my experiences to cherish and learn from as well an accomplishment on my resume establishes that I am capable and mature enough take the initiative to relocate, adapt to a new environment, and learn from new resources.

Self-confidence: I used to work for mobile network company as a system administrator.

Sometimes sysadmins tend to see people as an object, not as a human. Yes I said objects! :-) Guiding them how to fix their problem is not easy task. After nearly working there for 2 years, I’ve noticed that I became a shy person. By taking a courses that offered by IMPISA program, its amazingly helped me to reduce insecurities and overcome shyness.

Overall, Taiwan has influenced a lot more about my habits and personality in this one year than I did in four years in my home school because of the unique space in which I learned, experienced, and spent exploring its culture.

Taiwan really influences your personality and habits, but in a good way. I would encourage others to come and experience its culture, either through traveling or studying purpose.