George Rufus Fox

An Introduction to Taiwan

My first Mandarin teacher when I first tried to learn the language at 13 was from Pingdong, Taiwan. Although she has lived in different places around the world, she always spoke highly of Taiwan so it has always had significance to me. I also felt she reflected the kindness and enthusiasm of Taiwan.

Academic Journey and Language Learning

I studied Chinese studies at undergrad and learnt the language a bit at school, but I feel I only really started to focus on learning Mandarin to a higher level after beginning my study at university. In my next year of university, I went on an exchange year to Peking University in Beijing and after my fourth year I went to study at National Taiwan University’s language centre for 6 months.

I enjoy now being able to apply my Mandarin to both my daily life and study. I have worked hard to improve and reach a level where I understand a lot more than when I first started. I still try to speak as much as possible, but living and studying in Taiwan means there are countless opportunities to practice and keep improving.

University Experience at NTNU

I feel NTNU has a very welcoming international environment and my department has many courses that I find are aligned to my academic interests. Moreover, the department offers courses which are new topics to me so I can explore new academic realms. Before enrolling at NTNU, I would often go to play tennis with their tennis club. Even before I was a student here, I felt very welcomed and knew this was the right place for me to continue my study. I think NTNU is well-located and has excellent facilities and numerous extra-curricular opportunities available.

I like the bento shops on campus, I like to get lunch boxes there after class or on my way to work. I also like the library but it can be a peaceful place to study and also it is very cool inside so it is sometimes nice to escape the summer heat there. The tennis courts are also special to me because they were the first part of campus I visited.

In terms of preparing an application, I would say explore the website and online resources as much as you can. Thinking about your reasons to want to come and study at here and on your chosen course is important. Linking your study journey so far as well as ambitions for the future are useful too.

Besides studying, I enjoy visiting new places with friends and cycling around Taipei exploring. I also enjoy playing tennis a few times a week and teaching English alongside my study. I also have enjoyed taking opportunities such as acting and hosting. I participated in a Shakespeare play after a friend recommended I audition. I also hosted the opening ceremony of NTNU’s International Culture Festival.

Reflecting on the Experience

I find daily life in Taiwan very comfortable, from picking up a delicious Taiwanese breakfast on my way to school in the morning to cycling around Taipei in the evening. The pace of life here can be both fast and slow, it is a nice balance.

I love to meet new people from all over the world but also spend time with fellow Brits who remind me of home. I love that my life here is so varied and never boring. I suppose the greatest challenge is sometimes sensing the distance between myself and my home. It is quite a long flight back to the UK so I don’t go home and see my friends and family back home very often. Sometimes I feel disconnected from home but Taiwan is very welcoming and never dull so it is easy to overcome this challenge by throwing myself into life and opportunities here and of course calling my family and friends back home.

Future Aspirations

Studying in Taiwan has been inpiring. If I get the chance to stay in Taiwan after graduation, I would like to continue learning, both about Mandarin and about other cultures. I would hope to apply what I have learnt during my time studying in Taiwan to my future working life. Learning Mandarin in Taiwan has also helped further my language level as Mandarin teaching here can be more detailed, teachers here have taught me many more words and sayings.

I think there are many different aspects of life in Taiwan and really something for everyone. You can have a fulfilling life here. I am lucky to have been able to build a life here that I can enjoy and can get so much from. I still feel there is a lot for me to learn and I am excited to be in Taiwan to experience and explore new opportunities here.