Experience Something Different in Taiwan
Believe it or not, but there are many things to see and do in Taiwan. The Taiwan experience is something that you aren’t able to find anywhere else in the world. Regardless of what kind of person you are, there is bound to be something new and unique for you to experience in Taiwan that will leave a lasting impression on you.
Chinese Culture
Working in Taiwan gives you the chance to experience Chinese culture first hand. You’ll see things that you would never see back home, even if you frequent the local China Town in the city where you live. The way of life, religion, traditions and much more is just the tip of the ice berg of what you’ll be able to see and experience.
Chinese Food
Much like Chinese culture, you’ll also be able to taste what REAL Chinese food is like. Forget what you may be used to eating back home as Taiwan gives you the chance to discover how many different dishes and styles of real Chinese cooking. Not only does it taste great, but it is also relatively inexpensive.
Scenic Spots
Many people may not know it, but Taiwan has many scenic spots that are bound to suit anyone that likes a little outdoor activity. There really are far too many to list here, but some of the better known ones are:
Taroko National Park – A massive gorge that just has to be seen to be believed. This is probably one of the most popular spots visited by tourists in Taiwan each year.
Green Island – This is a beautiful, remote island that to date remains untouched and exploited. Originally used as an island to hold prisoners, it has since become a favorite destination spots for both local and foreign tourists in Taiwan.
Sun Moon Lake – The largest natural lake in Taiwan. The east side of the lake looks like a sun and the west side like a moon, hence the name.
There really is much to see and do in Taiwan, beyond just working. Whatever your interests, there is bound to be something new and exciting waiting for you in Taiwan.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I just stumbled onto this site and wanted to say that I’m finding your site extremely informative. It’s nice that people like you are out there and care enough about your fellow person to provide realistic information for other people without asking for anything in return.
Would it be possible for you to do an article (and maybe you already have and I missed it) about the transition to Taiwan from English culture. My biggest worry would be the language barrier. I’ve read that you don’t really need to speak any Mandarin or Taiwanese to teach, but what’s the quality of life like for people who don’t? Are we pretty much stuck to socializing with only our fellow teachers?
@Andrew,
Thanks for the feedback. I really do appreciate it. You bring up a good topic and I’ll try to get off my arse and actually write something on that. However, until I do I will do my best to provide you with a short reply here. If you live in Taipei you don’t have to worry about not being able to speak Chinese. Most people in Taipei can speak “some” kind of English and the city itself is very English friendly (I guess most capital cities in countries around the world are like this). As soon as you leave Taipei, and I do literally mean like cross outside of the city boundaries into the next district/suburb, you are in a different world. This means that you should live in Taipei if you are worried about the language barrier or want a “soft” start to Taiwan. Living in other cities means you really should be able to speak or at least know some standard phrases. This will help with ordering food and just getting around. Most cram schools will help you if you have any major problems, but, and I honestly believe this, the majority of foreign teachers in Taiwan do not actually “live” in Taiwan. They go to work, speak English at work, finish work and hang out with other teachers, go to pubs and speak English with other teachers OR Taiwanese who speak very good English and then go home and watch movies and listen to English music while reading their English newspapers. Is this a bad thing? No, and I don’t mean it as such, because you see the exact same people in Australia, New Zealand and other countries from Taiwan and China living the same life (they can’t speak any English and just hang around with Chinese speaking people and primarily visit China town or other similar places). I hope that gives you “some” idea of what to expect. If I had to summarize my rant up I would say live in Taipei for starters and then either leave Taipei and learn some Chinese OR just stay in Taipei. Any other questions just let me know and best of luck with whatever you do in the future!