Elisa Duquet

Tempted by Taiwanese Tastes

I choose to study in Taiwan to learn Mandarin and discover Taiwanese culture. Before coming to Taiwan, I have had Taiwanese food in France, like xiaolongbao and tapioca milk tea, and I loved it! So, I wanted to try it in Taiwan because I was sure it would be even more delicious in the homeland!

Choosing the Heart of Taipei: University of Taipei

The University of Taipei became my top choice primarily due to its prime location in the city center. With multiple transport options like buses, MRT, and YouBike, commuting was very easy. Its smaller size also appealed to me, as it meant more opportunities to connect with Taiwanese students.

I love the library on campus because it is very quiet and comfortable.

The Mandarin Challenge: From Simplified to Traditional

While I had some foundation in simplified Chinese, diving into traditional Chinese characters in Taiwan was a fresh challenge. I've always been fascinated by the Chinese language, its meaningful characters, and the history behind it. Though I sometimes fumble with tones and face humorous misunderstandings, the pride I feel when locals comprehend my Mandarin is immense.

Discovering Taiwan Beyond the Classroom

The life in Taiwan is very cool, chill, and safe–I really appreciate it. What I love the most about Taiwan is the food and the people! Taiwanese people are very welcoming and have always helped me when I needed it. The culture in Taiwan is very different from my country (France), especially about the food. For example, in France we usually eat dinner around 8 pm, but it is earlier in Taiwan. In France, we usually eat bread with jam for breakfast, and it is usually sweet. The biggest cultural shock I had was the earthquakes. I never experienced it before coming to Taiwan.

My time in Taiwan isn't just about academics. I was able to explore various cities like Kaoshiung, Yilan, and Hualien. Besides traveling, evenings with friends at local restaurants and bars are something I look forward to. I also participate in badminton club in the university, every Sunday evening with my friends.

Why Taiwan Resonates with Me

My experience of studying in Taiwan has been amazing. Studying in Taiwan is undoubtedly one of the best decisions I've made. The daily life here, from safety to transportation and food, has left a mark on me. With hopes of possibly returning for an internship in the import-export business, I believe being proficient in multiple languages will be very useful for my future.