My Second Home

By Susan Wang
(Attended in Summer 2024)

If you had asked me five months ago, back in May, I would have told you that I had never traveled outside of New York—or even envisioned myself traveling anywhere by myself before.

Now, standing here five months later in September, having checked off two places from my bucket list—Taiwan, of course, and also Thailand (I’ll touch on that briefly since our focus is on Taiwan after all)—I’m filled with countless stories of unforgettable experiences I can’t wait to share.

For those who don’t want to read through the entire thing - I included a TLDR at the end since there is a lot I covered. For more photos than the ones I included, you can check out my Taiwan highlights on my Instagram - @susssy_520 , you can also reach out to me if you have any questions! I would love to talk more about my experience abroad any day.

I. Introduction

So…how did we get here?

My Taiwan journey began on a fateful train ride back home with my friends the weekend before Spring Break. One of them had studied abroad in Taiwan the previous summer, and as she shared her experiences, I impulsively decided to send an email to Hu lao shi, inquiring about the Taiwan Huayu BEST Program. I didn’t expect much, given that the application deadline had long passed, but to my surprise, a week after Spring Break, I received confirmation that I would be heading to Taiwan for the summer! (While I was super lucky with my experience, there's no guarantee it will work out the same for everyone. If you're interested in the program, I highly recommend signing up early and taking the time to prepare thoroughly.)

And just like that, I got all my forms in within a week, got set up with Candice (our Wenzao coordinator who helped us through logistics in Taiwan), found a rental place, brought my insurance and plane ticket and was set to go to study abroad for the next three months!

II. Purchasing Tickets, Packing, and Essentials to Bring

Buying Plane Tickets- Since I enrolled in the Huayu Program much later than the rest of the students, my tickets were also purchased at the very last moment. I got lucky and ended up getting a really good deal on Student Universe - my tickets were $1800 roundtrip with Delta. It was cheaper than usual because my flight was one of the first direct flights to Taiwan from Seattle that started this year. However, I would suggest buying tickets ahead of time, as well as checking the airline’s baggage policy - I had two 50lbs check in allowances as well as a carry on with no weight limit (that ended up saving my life later on).

I flew from JFK to Taoyuan Airport (since direct flights to Kaohsiung, where the school is located are rare and much more expensive) with a layover in Seattle. You can take the HSR (high speed rail which is like $40 on Klook from Taoyuan to Kaohisung upon arrival which takes around 2.5 hours - crazy fast!)

Meet My Travel Buddy/Emotional Support Plush Cha-Siew

Packing- I made a mistake of packing too much stuff going to Taiwan (spoiler alert: I brought so many clothes/souvenirs from Taiwan, I came back with 3 checked bags and had to pay $200 for the additional one). My tip is to only pack a couple days of clothes and some toiletries if you plan to buy clothes in Taiwan (there are so many shopping malls and markets selling clothes). Do you ever see those Tiktoks or Instagram reels online with everyone traveling to Japan joking that the only thing they will bring are two empty suitcases and a credit card? Well, I would say the same applies for Taiwan! How I wished I did this haha - my biggest mistake and regret of my trip is over packing. Everything else you can buy at Taiwan’s SHOWBA/Xiao Bei Baihuo - store that sells practically everything in Taiwan and at a cheap price.

Essentials- Not much! Bring your passport, cash depending on how much you want to exchange (note: cash is king in Taiwan as it is a very cash dominant society!), your electronics, and last but not least yourself and an excitement to explore a new place. Trust me, do not overpack!

III. Phone Plan, EasyCard/iPass(Southern Taiwan), Transportation Information (MRT/HSR/Buses/YouBikes/Taxis)

Phone Plan- Once I got to Taoyuan airport, after passing immigration and exchanging currency, this was the first thing I did when I exited customs. There are a couple of booths that sell phone plans. Have your passport and cash ready to buy a phone plan. I brought an unlimited plan for the next 90 days from Taiwan Da Ge Da (大哥大) and because my rental place did not offer internet, it literally saved my life for the next three months. The phone plan comes with a Taiwanese phone number (which you can use to sign up for things, especially YouBikes), 100 free minutes of call (this might sound really little but don’t worry since we mainly used cellular data to call on Line/Instagram/Facetime/Discord because the 100 minutes was for calls within the country but not international calls), and free unlimited hotspot (I used up I believe 500 gbs of data during my 3 months stay because I had my laptop and ipad with me as well, and it was fast!).

Pictured - The phone plan I brought from Taiwan Mobile

Transportation Tips:

EasyCard/iPass- EasyCard is a contactless smart card widely used in Taiwan for not just transportation, but can also be used for small purchases in convenience stores, etc. You can purchase a simple EasyCard in any convenience store (such as 711) or my tip is - order ahead of time on the Klook app, load it with around 400-500 NTD ($12-15) and pick it up in the airport. I recommend only loading it with enough to last you the first two weeks until you get your Student ID. Your Student ID is an iPass itself (another contactless smart card but in Southern Taiwan - so Kaohsiung, Tainan) and I recommend using it because you can get a discount of 2 NTD on every ride by using it (you might think this is nothing but it adds up!)

Some EasyCard Designs you can collect as well

Transportation Modes- Taiwan offers several modes of transportations such as:

• HSR (High-Speed Rail): From Taipei in the north to Kaohsiung in the south, stopping at major cities along the west coast. Fastest way to travel long distances across Taiwan. The HSR can take you from Taipei to Kaohsiung in about 1.5-2 hours. (You won’t take this often, probably just twice to go from Taoyuan Airport to Kaohsiung and back to Taoyuan when you leave Taiwan). It costs about $50 USD if you purchase it regularly, with a discount for students I believe. I recommend just buying it through the klook app - they offer a discount within the app that brings it down to around $40 USD
• MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): In every city like Taipei, New Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taoyuan and is the most efficient, fast way to travel that covers most urban areas. It's the best way to get around cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung. You tap into the station with your EasyCard and also out of the station when you leave.
• Buses: Multiple Types - Local city buses, intercity buses, and long-distance coaches: Costs anywhere between 15 NTD to 30 NTD or more per ride (about $0.50 to $1 USD) based on city, distance, and type of bus service. Buses cover most urban areas, rural regions, and even mountainous areas. Get to know your bus routes, how to read the time schedule for when buses will arrive as google maps, although it worked, wasn’t very accurate in predicting bus times in my experience. Buses also stop running around 11pm - 12am at night so be careful if you stay out too late and live in an area that is only accessible by bus. I lived 30 minutes walk from the closest MRT station. Just like the MRT, you also tap once when you get onto the bus and once when you get off the bus. Please remember to tap or your card will get locked and it will be inconvenient for the next ride!!
• YouBikes: Kind of like citibikes in New York, but the Taiwanese version that saved multiple of our lives, allowing us to get home at night when the MRTs and buses stopped running. You need the YouBike app and a Taiwanese number. You can either link it to an EasyCard/iPass Card (which then you can just tap with the card to unlock it) or a Debit/Credit Card. I believe for the first 30 Minutes, it was around NT$10 (about $0.30 USD) and every next 30 Minutes was NT $10. YouBikes are practically everywhere, available 24/7 and you can use the app to check real time bike availability information!
• Taxis: Of course, taxis were also available everywhere! You can either hail one straight from the street and they go by meter, or my favorite thing to do was to call one through the Uber app (yes it works in Taiwan!) On rainy days when I was out late or I needed to go somewhere fast but the buses weren’t running on time, I would call an uber. My most expensive ride was probably $12 USD, and it was a 40 minute ride home, dropping off at 3 locations for my friends. While this is relatively cheap in New York standpoints, I would recommend trying not to take taxis unless you really need to, because it can add up.
• Some other fun modes of transport that my friends were able to figure out- Scooters/Motorcycles: You’ll realize very quickly that almost all Taiwanese locals have a motorbike! I wasn’t sure how to rent one or if you needed a license for one, but there are apps - Gokube you can download to rent a motorbike to get around (I do think you need a Taiwanese number in order to do so however). For scooters, I saw some at the Pier Art 2 Center, but wasn’t sure how the rentals worked.
• Ferries: There is a ferry in Kaohsiung you can take to go to Cijin Island. Highly recommended to visit but remember to bring a lot of sunscreen and to reapply! (Fun story/warning if you don’t - I got a horrible sunburn that landed me with a kidney infection for a week and had to go to the hospital.) You also use your EasyCard/iPass Card to tap in and out.

IV. Convenience Stores, Supermarkets & Grocery Stores, Department Stores, Clothing Stores, Bookstores & Stationery, Drugstores & Health Shops, Miscellaneous Shops

Convenience Stores: You’ve probably already heard of convenience stores in Asia, notably ones in Japan and Korea. Well, the same concept applies in Taiwan as well! There are over 10,000 convenience stores (I think this is 711 alone) all over the country and every other street or two you walk, you will probably spot a 711 or another known convenience store.

Major chains in Taiwan:

• 7-Eleven (7-11): A staple in Taiwan. Open 24/7, these stores offer snacks, drinks, hot meals, ATMs, bill payments, EasyCard top-ups, and more. There’s almost one on every corner.
• FamilyMart: Another major chain, similar to 7-11, with a wide range of services, including parcel pick-ups, bill payments, and ready-to-eat meals.
• Hi-Life: Offers similar services, including snacks, drinks, and bill payments. Slightly less common than 7-11 or FamilyMart. There is a Hi-Life connected to Wenzao that was opened briefly when we arrived for classes, before shutting down for the summer. I would grab snacks or food from here during the 10 minute breaks in class.
• OK Mart: Also offers essentials, quick meals, and basic services.

711 Heated food and Ice Cream Selections

Some heated meals I had. Fun fact: I think I finished trying almost all of the meals in 711 this summer. I would go at 3am when I couldn’t sleep sometimes or when I woke up early to journal and eat at my closest 711 and watch the sun rise.

Supermarkets & Grocery Stores: If you like to cook and get lucky with a rental place that has a kitchen, there are some great supermarkets and grocery stores to get all the essentials you need. They are usually cheaper than convenience stores. (I didn’t have a kitchen so I ate out often as a meal only cost between $3-5, but my friend’s apartment had a kitchen and sometimes we would drop by as a group and cook together).

Major chains in Taiwan:

• PX Mart (全聯福利中心): One of the largest grocery chains in Taiwan, known for affordable prices and a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce.
• Carrefour: A large hypermarket chain with locations across Taiwan. It sells groceries, household goods, electronics, and more. Also open 24/7.

Department Stores & Clothing Stores: Shopping, shopping, shopping! I love Chinese fashion and for me, their pieces fit my style much better than American clothes while being extremely affordable at the same time. There are so many outlets and shopping malls in Taiwan to check out. Below are some of the malls I checked out in Kaohsiung but there are many more in other cities as well.

• SOGO: High-end department store chain with branches in major cities. Offers clothing, cosmetics, electronics, and dining options.
• Shin Kong Mitsukoshi (新光三越): Another high-end department store with a variety of brands, from local to international. Also has food courts and entertainment.
• Dream Mall (夢時代): One of the largest shopping malls in Taiwan, offering a wide range of retail stores, from local brands to international names. It also features a cinema, restaurants, and a rooftop amusement park with a Ferris wheel.
• Hanshin Department Store/Shopping Plaza (漢神百貨): A high-end department store with a wide selection of luxury brands, cosmetics, fashion, and accessories. It also has a variety of dining options and a supermarket. I brought my pineapple cakes from Jiu Zhen Nan from here!
• E-DA Outlet Mall (義大世界購物廣場): Located near E-DA Theme Park, this outlet mall offers discounted goods from various brands. It also has a selection of restaurants and entertainment facilities, including an ice-skating rink.

For clothing stores, you can find many of these in the malls or as a stand alone store:

• Uniqlo: Popular for affordable, stylish, and high-quality basics.
• GU: A sister brand to Uniqlo, offering trendier and more affordable fashion options.
• NET: A local Taiwanese brand with affordable and stylish clothing. Usually a stand alone store, very popular for taiwanese citizens
• ZARA/H&M surprisingly: American fashion brands, found in some of the malls

(Featured is our Hunter study abroad group selfie at our first mall)

Bookstores & Stationery: Another one of my guilty pleasures and where a lot of us spent most of our time at. You will see why when you go! They sell practically every and any stationary products you can imagine. There were also figurines, cards, keychains, books and plushies. I stocked up on so many capybara, sanrio, anime like JJK, Spy x Family, One Piece, Genshin, Kpop, Sumikko Gurashi, you name it merch just from stationary stores alone!! Most of the capybara keychains I brought back as souvenirs for friends came from stationary stores.

Popular Bookstores and Stationary Chains:

• 9x9 Stationery (九乘九文具)
• Jin Yuh Tarng (金玉堂)
• 101 Stationary Paradise
• Muji (無印良品): similar to the ones in New York we have as well, but had a lot more items and food in stock
• Kinokuniya: Yes, the same Kinokuniya we have in NYC but bigger and better
• Poya (寶雅): Poya also had its fair share of cute stationary as well as other beauty and skincare items.

Stationary Store Interior and some haul!

Drugstores & Health Shops:

Watsons: Drugstore chain offering health, beauty products, skincare, and personal care items. Similar to CVS or Walgreens.

Cosmed (康是美): Another major drugstore chain, offering a range of health, beauty, and skincare products.

Poya (寶雅): Sells cosmetics, personal care items, home goods, and more. It's a mix of a beauty store and mini-supermarket.

Miscellaneous Shops:

Daiso: Japanese 100-yen store (everything around NT$39), selling kitchenware, snacks, stationery, and more.

Don Quijote (DONKI): A Japanese discount store with a wide variety of goods, from snacks and cosmetics to electronics and quirky gadgets. I am not sure of the hours for the store in Kaohsiung, but there was a huge one I frequented when I visited Taipei near the end of my trip that was open 24/7.

Pop Mart: If you love blind boxes and collectibles, there is about a popmart in every single mall I’ve been to. Taiwan is known for its collectible designer toys and blind box figurines.

V. Restaurants, Night Markets, Food to Try While in Taiwan

If you go to Taiwan and you do not come back gaining some weight, you are most definitely doing something wrong. Taiwan is known for its vibrant food culture and culinary diversity, making it a paradise for food lovers. From street foods to night markets, Taiwanese breakfast, meals and snacks at 711, to bubble tea, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Here are some must-try foods in Taiwan that you can't miss if you want to truly experience the local cuisine:

• Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐) - A unique fermented tofu dish, often deep-fried and served with pickled cabbage. It’s famous for its strong smell, but many find it delicious!
• Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵) - A hearty bowl of tender beef, flavorful broth, and chewy noodles.
• Braised Pork Rice (滷肉飯) - A comforting bowl of rice topped with savory, minced pork belly braised in soy sauce and spices. It’s a staple in Taiwanese homes.
• Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶) - Taiwan, the origin of Bubble Tea. You’ll practically find a shop on every single street, sometimes, one right next to another. This iconic drink features sweet milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls. You’ll find endless variations, so try a fe
• Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎) - A flavorful dish made with fresh oysters, eggs, and vegetables, often served with a tangy sauce. It’s a must at night markets.
• Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥) - A delicious pastry filled with sweet pineapple jam, perfect for souvenirs or a treat during your visit. Tip: Visit Sunnyhills at Pier 2 Art for a free Pineapple Cake and Tea tasting!
• Mango Shaved Ice or any shaved ice (芒果冰) - A refreshing dessert made with finely shaved ice, topped with fresh mango, condensed milk, and sometimes tapioca pearls. Fruits like mango taste so fresh in Taiwan, especially in the summer. I also highly recommend getting any mango drinks such as mango pomelo sago.
• Popcorn Chicken (鹽酥雞) - Crispy, bite-sized pieces of chicken seasoned with spices and often served with fresh basil.
• Fried Chicken Cutlet (雞排) - A massive, crispy chicken cutlet that’s juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, often enjoyed at night markets.
• Gua Bao (刈包) - Often referred to as Taiwanese pork belly buns, these fluffy steamed buns are filled with braised pork, pickled mustard greens, cilantro, and ground peanuts, making for a flavorful and satisfying snack. I had the best gua bao of my life from a vendor in Ximending in Taipei near the end of my trip. I still think about that bun today.
• Scallion Pancakes (蔥油餅) - These flaky, savory pancakes are made with dough and packed with chopped scallions. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re a popular breakfast item or snack.
• Taiwanese Sausage (香腸) - Can’t forget the iconic Taiwanese Sausage! 711 also sells a variety of flavors of sausages. Juicy and slightly sweet, these sausages are often grilled and served on a stick. Sometimes wrapped in a sticky rice bun for an extra treat.
• Sweet Potato Balls (地瓜球) - Deep-fried snacks made from sweet potato flour, creating a chewy texture on the inside and a crispy outside. Sold as a popular snack in night markets.
• Century/Tea Egg (皮蛋) - A preserved egg with a unique flavor, often served as a side dish or added to congee for breakfast or as a snack. Every convenience store you see can be seen selling these.
• Taiwan Beer (台灣啤酒) - If you are over 18, which is the Taiwanese legal drinking age, be sure to try some Taiwanese beer as well! It is the most iconic beer in Taiwan. If you don’t like this flavor, Taiwanese convenience stores also sell many fruit beers with low alcohol content.

Some Night Markets to Check Out in Kaohsiung:

• Liuhe Night Market (六合夜市)
• Ruifeng Night Market (瑞豐夜市)
• Cijin Night Market (旗津夜市)
• Nanhua Tourist Night Market (南華觀光夜市)
• Pier-2 Art Night Market (weekends only)

Oh and of course! For restaurants and to make the fullest of the Taiwan experience check out Din Tai Fung (you might have heard of a new one opening in NYC, well the biggest Din Tai Fung originates from Taiwan!) and Chun Shui Tang (claims to have made the first bubble tea in Taiwan, worth a visit to grab a boba to go).

Our first night market at Ruifeng Night Market! Beware of the claw machines though, they are everywhere!! Although they might look possible and are cheap to play (10 NTD each), they are practically impossible to win. I have fallen victim to many of them haha.

A Beautiful Shaved Iced Spot near Wenzao!

VI. Attractions in Kaohsiung

Now, while Kaohsiung may not match the hyper bustling energy of Taipei, Taiwan's capital, it shines with its own unique charm and attractions. Located at the southern point of Taiwan, it is a beautiful coastal city. You'll discover a wealth of hidden gems, cultural landmarks, and vibrant experiences. From its bustling night markets and serene temples to scenic coastal spots and dynamic art districts, Kaohsiung offers a more laid-back, yet equally enriching, alternative to the fast pace of Taipei. It’s the perfect destination to immerse yourself in Taiwan’s diverse culture, history, and natural beauty. Don’t worry there is a lot to do!

Some must see attractions:

• The Pier-2 Art Center (駁二藝術特區): A creative arts district transformed from old warehouses. It hosts art exhibitions, workshops, and installations, making it a hub for contemporary art and culture. The area is also filled with cafes and boutique shops. Sometimes, there are pop ups and exhibitions - I went to the JJK exhibition and acquired lots of merchandise. Every weekend, there are vendors that sell food, crafts, clothes, and even unique vintage items. It’s a great place to thrift items and souvenirs. I recommend coming here near sunset, so you can catch the sun setting, the light shows at night and also watch the Pier’s Great Harbor Bridge turn 180 degrees.
• Lotus Pond (蓮池潭), including the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Spring and Autumn Pavilions, and the Confucius Temple.
• Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (佛光山佛陀紀念館)
• Shoushan Zoo and Mountain: zoo with capybaras and a hiking trail where you might encounter monkeys!
• Sizhiwan: amazing for sunset views!
• Cijin Island (旗津島): A short ferry ride from Kaohsiung Harbor. Cijin Island is known for its beaches, seafood, and historical sites. I recommend riding a YouBike around the island from one end to another to check out the views. Definitely stay for sunset! It’s gorgeous!! But be sure to bring lots of sunscreen and reapply. I learned a harsh lesson getting sunburnt here. (Spoiler alert- it landed me in the hospital)
• Kaohsiung 85 Sky Tower (高雄85大樓)
• Love River (愛河)/Dragon Boat Festival: In the beginning of June, there is a dragonboat festival where you can witness dragonboat races, performances, a dragon lantern show and also get to experience all the food and stalls set up here for the weekend. For me, dragonboat held a special place in my heart since I used to participate in the sport for a couple years so it was very nostalgic seeing it be celebrated in Taiwan.
• Dome of Light (光之穹頂): Located in the Formosa Boulevard MRT Station, this is the world's largest glass art installation. I believe on the weekends, the station gets filled with vendors selling all sorts of things.

If you can’t find something to do, trust me, there’s a lot. One thing I did was go on google maps, click attractions to find places to go to. I made a list of pins with places I wanted to check out and checked them off one by one. I also did this with food/restaurants.

Dragonboat Festival!

Lotus Pond (蓮池潭), including the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Spring and Autumn Pavilions, and the Confucius Temple.

Shoushan Zoo

Our group at the Love River (Dragon Boat Festival) and the Bottom of Shoushan Mountain

The view at Cijin Island

VII. Wenzao/Study Abroad Experience

Now, I know I talked about all the fun attractions, foods to try, activities to do in Kaohsiung so far, but let’s not forget, the main purpose of coming to Taiwan - to study Chinese and immerse yourself in Chinese culture through the Huayu BEST Program. Before you come to Taiwan, you are required to complete a couple of proficiency exams (be as honest as possible, don’t cheat, it won’t help) which will help place you into an appropriate level chinese course when you arrive at Wenzao.

Classes: Classes were at the Wenzao Ursuline University of Language, Monday to Friday for me, everyday from 1pm - 4pm. However, we had 10 minute breaks between every hour. Some students are placed into morning classes from 9am - 12pm. We had two teachers for our class who alternated teaching (one taught from Monday to Wednesday and the other would teach on Thursday and Friday). There were quizzes every week and a test once we finished a chapter which weren’t super hard if you participated in class and put some time into studying outside of class. There was a midterm presentation about any chosen topic from the chapters we covered as well as a final covering all the chapters on the last day of class. I think my biggest struggle was mainly transitioning from reading and writing simplified Chinese to using traditional characters, but everyone’s experience is different. I have to admit, already being able to speak a little bit of Chinese previously definitely gave me an advantage.

I love the way our classes were structured due to how interactive they were. Each class had anywhere between 8-10 students but never more. This allowed for more teacher to student as well as peer to peer engagement. My class had students from all over the world, one from the Philippines, some from Vietnam, some from Germany, some from the U.S. as well (but different states), and even a grandpa who’s 77 years old from Japan!! I also made friends from other classes during the breaks and after class hangouts from the Netherlands, U.K., South Korea and Hong Kong. It was so amazing to meet new friends from different parts of the world.

Program/Class Trips/Activities:

There are tons of cultural immersion activities offered by the 文藻華語中心 - Cultural office in Wenzao such as calligraphy classes and paper-cutting that you should take advantage of if possible! Unfortunately for me, these activities fell within my class times, but if you have classes in the morning, you can take advantage of these fun activities afterwards. There was also a planned 2024 Summer Term Field Trip to the Southern Branch of National Palace Museum & Tainan which unfortunately didn’t happen due to the typhoon that occurred that week. With the Hunter study abroad group; however, Candice planned a couple of trips for us such as a trip to a Banana Farm and to an Indigenous People’s Cultural Park.

VIII. Housing/Stipend/Budget

To be completely honest, I am the last person to ask about budgeting, finances and money. I definitely did not make the best financial decisions in Taiwan and went over the budget provided, spending a lot of my own money on shopping, food, souvenirs and gifts. The first week I was in Taiwan, I wanted to try everything and buy everything. (Not a good idea!! I have no clue how I spent so much money the first week to this day, pro tip: look but don’t buy yet!! There will most likely be cheaper prices somewhere else. Buy all your souvenirs during the last two weeks).

In my defense, it was my first time in Taiwan where everything seemed so cute, new, and most of all - cheaper than the U.S. (Also, a portion of my spending came from an impromptu trip to Thailand one weekend but we won’t talk about that too much). However, through my experiences, you’d probably be able to take away what not to do and some tips to be better prepared.

Housing - Prior to my arrival in Taiwan, I spoke with Candice on Line to find housing. I ended up renting a room on the 5FL of an apartment 10 minutes walk from Wenzao. It was about $200 USD a month. I had my room with a bed, a desk, my own bathroom and balcony to hang my clothes after washing them (there is a washer in the apartment). While there was a mini fridge, the one thing my apartment did not offer was a kitchen.

Some things to watch out for is that, in my case, electricity and water was not covered in my rent. AC usage during this time can become very very expensive, and I made a couple of mistakes that cost my electricity usage to be extremely high, causing me to pay extra out of pocket later on. One mistake was setting the AC to 16 degrees celsius because I wasn’t used to the using celsius in Taiwan. People usually set the AC to 25 degrees. Another problem I had wasn’t exactly my fault but due to my room having a balcony and being bigger than my two friends who lived below me, some air would escape through the balcony doors and there was more circulation due to the room size. Also, turn off your light and AC when not using them! I definitely forgot a couple of times.

Stipend - Every month on the 10th, we would receive our scholarship which comes with stipend - after subtracting the cost of tuition. One of the smartest decisions I made this summer was to let Candice handle my rent using my stipend. Part of the stipend would be used to pay the rent and deposit in advance so I didn’t have to worry about that later on. Afterwards, the remaining stipend (for me- around $200) would be given to us to be used on food/necessities.

Reimbursement - While we were later reimbursed for our plane ticket and CISI International Travel Insurance we had to purchase, these did not come in for us until late August, so it will have to come out of your own pocket first.

Budgeting/Prices of things - Taiwan, and most definitely Kaohsiung (Taipei’s cost of items are a little bit higher than Kaohsiung) has a lower cost of living compared to the United States. Breakfast can be grabbed from breakfast shops/stalls/convenience stores and can cost anywhere between $1-5 depending on what you get. Lunch/Dinner - eating out in Taiwan can be relatively cheap with each meal ranging between an average price of $200 NTD - $300 NTD ($6-10 USD).

Taiwan is an extremely cash dominant society, so making sure you have cash is extremely important. In my second month in Taiwan, I ran out of cash in the last couple of days before my next stipend and had no way of exchanging currency because I did not bring enough USD nor was I able to withdraw cash as I didn’t bring a debit card with me to Taiwan (mistake). I didn’t have line pay either, making things awkward. So, a lot of my meals at this point of time was from 711 (story behind how I tried all the warm meal items) because they accepted contactless payment methods like apple pay. However, because I did not have a card with no foreign transaction fees, I ended up paying a lot more than I needed to just from fees. So, make sure to budget well and save cash for when you need to - like going out to eat at restaurants. If you have a credit/debit card with no transaction fee and you trust yourself with your purchases, you can use that at convenience stores and save the cash for necessary situations.

Some tips!

• Download a currency converter app on your phone!!
• Have a budget sheet or record all your expenses everyday
• While things might seem cheap, they add up over time. Think - do I really need this? (I had a really bad mindset and due to the disconnect of currency conversion, where things seemed much cheaper in Taiwan than the U.S. and due to my tendency to love buying presents for my friends, I ended up overspending very badly)

Some of the foods we had in Taiwan!

IX. Trip to Tainan

Taiwan, though being an island, is HUGE. While I was not able to check out every single city, I was lucky enough to have time to explore Tainan and Taipei.

Tainan is one of Taiwan's oldest cities, and is known for its historical landmarks, temples, and delicious street food. It is right above Kaohsiung so we took the local train (around an hour to get there). As a group, we visited Tainan for a weekend.

Some spots we checked out, as well as spots I think you should definitely go to:

• Historical Sites like Anping Fort (Fort Zeelandia) - A historic Dutch fort and museum offering insights into Taiwan's colonial past.
• Anping Fort is right next to Anping Treehouse and Anping Old Street (安平老街)
• Close by is Sicao Green Tunnel - A relaxing boat ride through a lush, green mangrove forest.
• Chimei Museum (奇美博物館) - A privately-owned museum known for its extensive collection of Western art, musical instruments, weapons, and natural history exhibits. The architecture of the museum is also quite striking, resembling a European palace. A must visit for museum lovers. I spent around 3 hours just to get through everything here. The views outside the museum are beautiful as well with lush green fields perfect for picnics and a bridge with the 12 statues of the olympians connects the two and clear water surrounds the museum.
• My friends decided to go to Ten Drum Culture Village (十鼓文化村), right next to Chimei Museum, which I decided not to go due to time constraints but I heard they had a lot of fun with the interactive workshops and exhibits.
• Of course! Every city has its own night markets (fun fact- Tainan food will taste sweeter than food from other cities). Some popular ones in Tainan:
• Dadong Night Market (大東夜市)
• Tainan Flower Night Market (台南花卉夜市)
• Wusheng Night Market (武聖夜市)
• Garden Night Market (花園夜市)

The absolutely gorgeous views from Chimei Museum

X. Trip to Taipei

When I brought my plane tickets to Taiwan, I knew that I wanted to have at least a week to explore Taipei, the capital of Taiwan as well. So I checked when classes would begin, checked my class schedule and planned around it. Thus, right after classes ended for Wenzao on the 23rd, I headed straight for Taipei. This worked out well because I had to take the HSR back to Taoyuan airport anyway; hence, instead of visiting earlier, this way I was able to save money. (Taoyuan airport is right next to Taipei). My return date was on the 28th, giving me about 5 days to check out the beauty of the capital.

Some spots I checked out in Taipei:

• Taipei 101: A mall, but also one of the tallest buildings in the world. I suggest coming here before sunset to check out the city view from the tower in the daylight, watch the sunset, and see the view as the city lights up at night
• National Palace Museum
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
• Taipei Zoo: There were so many animals here and I saw my first real life panda!
• Maokong Gondola: right next to the Taipei Zoo, it is a scenic cable car ride that connects Taipei Zoo to Maokong. I went on the cable cart with a glass floor called a crystal cabin (less scary than you think it is) and the view was absolutely stunning.
• Zhinan Temple Station: It is a historic and serene Taoist temple known for its peaceful ambiance and hilltop views and is the next stop after Taipei Zoo on the Maokong Gondola.
• Ximending: A shopping district that includes a night market and the rainbow street you might see a lot on tiktok/instagram.
• Longshan Temple: One of the oldest and most famous temples in Taipei
• Jiufen: A historic mining town with narrow alleyways, tea houses, and stunning views. Beautiful at night with all the lanterns lit up! (Fun fact: This town is said to have inspired the setting of Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away)
• Shifen: Known for its Old Street, where you can release sky lanterns with written wishes on an old train track! I saw the train pass by me while I was on the tracks as well. It was super cool.
• Cat Village: like its name denounces, a village full of cats everywhere! Tip: Jiufen, Shifen and cat village are all super close to each other. I recommend spending at least one whole day checking these three locations out in this order: Shifen → Cat VIllage → Jiufen
• Of course night markets! Some popular ones:
• Shilin Night Market (士林夜市)
• Ningxia Night Market (寧夏夜市)
• Raohe Street Night Market (饒河街夜市)
• Tonghua Night Market (通化夜市) / Linjiang Street Night Market

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Featured: Me and my friend at Shifen with the wishing lanterns as well as view from cat village

Taipei Zoo and the Maokong Gondola

View of Taipei from the Maokong Gondola

Taipei 101 and the views

Picture below is at the Chiang-Kai-shek Memorial Hall

XI. My Overall Experience

Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and my study abroad journey concluded with my trip to Taipei. It was my first time living alone, figuring out transportation, navigating a new country, and budgeting on my own. This new sense of freedom was both exhilarating and a bit overwhelming at times, especially when I was being financially irresponsible (but hey, as the saying goes, money comes and goes, but memories stick—just kidding, do be a little responsible! But don't limit yourself; just enjoy and have fun).

I had heard about the cultural differences between Asia and NYC, but nothing could have prepared me for the warmth, friendliness, and helpfulness of the Taiwanese people. The public transportation was also impeccably clean, with a strict no eating or drinking policy on buses and trains. I also felt incredibly safe walking around at any time of the day. As a night owl and foodie who often stayed up late to chat with friends back in NYC, I frequently found myself heading out for a bite at 3 AM or going to the internet cafe to play some games, and it always felt so safe no matter what.

Studying abroad has truly broadened my perspective on life, showing me how much I love immersing myself in the culture of a new country, and I hope to have the chance to do it again in the future. My time in Taiwan was incredibly healing; I learned valuable lessons and made wonderful memories that I will always hold dear. Even now, when I think back on those moments, it feels like a surreal, vivid dream. While my time in Taiwan was short, being only three months, I truly felt like home there and am proud to call it my second home. If you'd like to chat more or have any questions about my experience, feel free to reach out! Thank you for reading! :)

***Some TLDR Tips:

• Use Student Universe to buy discounted tickets for students (free with an account signup) and you can also use it to check flexible departure dates and return dates alongside its prices
• Check your airline’s flight luggage allowances (I ended up stuffing so much stuff into my carry on at the end which saved me from going over the 50lb limits for my check in bags and avoided paying another hefty fee)
• Pack light! Most likely than not, you’ll end up buying a lot of clothes/souvenirs if you’re like me - a shopaholic and you will need that suitcase space. (Fun fact: I believe everyone who went to the program this year ended up buying an extra suitcase and used up the entirety of the two 50 lbs luggage allowance.)
• Essentials to bring: passport, electronics, cash, and if you have - a card/apple pay that doesn’t have a foreign transaction fee - Capital One/American Express are great cards
• Leaning off the previous tip, before you leave for Taiwan, bring enough cash outside of the stipend that’s provided for souvenirs/gifts/things you might want to buy
• Make a spreadsheet/google maps list with places you might want to check out or places you want to eat at
• Download all the apps you might need for Taiwan ahead of time - Klook, Taiwan Weather, Currency Converter, Bus Tracker, YouBike
• Don’t rush to buy things, wait till the last few weeks to start getting your souvenirs and gifts. More likely than not, you will buy the same item cheaper somewhere else. (I recommend buying your capybara plush keychains from stationary stores 😉)
• tips!
• Have a budget sheet or record all your expenses everyday
• While things might seem cheap, they add up over time. Think - do I really need this? (I had a really bad mindset and due to the disconnect of currency conversion, where things seemed much cheaper in Taiwan than the U.S. and due to my tendency to love buying presents for my friends, I ended up overspending very badly)
• Overall, just enjoy, relax and have fun :)

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