As a Polish student living as an expat in Taiwan, my experience has been enriching and eye-opening. Taiwan, known for its beautiful landscapes, and welcoming people, has been a fantastic destination for my studies and personal growth. Here are some of my perspectives of an expat and challenges of living in Taiwan from a Polish student's point of view.
Taiwan's rich cultural heritage has been an intriguing aspect of my expat life. From traditional temples to night markets, there is always something new to discover and enjoy. Taiwanese people are welcoming, hospitable, and respectful of other cultures, making me feel at ease and at home in Taiwan.
Taiwan is well-known for its safety and convenience, which has been a significant benefit of living here as an expat. Even at night, I feel safe walking around the streets because the crime rate is low. The public transportation system is efficient and dependable, with an extensive network of buses and trains that make getting around the island simple. Convenience stores are everywhere, open 24 hours a day -where I frequently order Americano and receive packages~, and provide a wide range of products and services, making daily life more convenient and hassle-free.
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Challenges: As a student in Taiwan, one of the difficulties I've encountered is the restriction on working hours. According to Taiwanese government laws, as an international student, I am only permitted to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week throughout the semester. This can be a barrier to making enough money to cover my living expenses or save for future travels or other expenses.
Another difficulty I've encountered is a language barrier at work. While English is widely spoken in Taiwan, many part-time occupations demand competency in Mandarin Chinese, which non-native speakers may find challenging to learn in a short amount of time. This may limit the types of jobs available to me and necessitate extra effort to properly communicate with colleagues and clients in a company where Mandarin Chinese is the primary language.
Yes, one of the most popular sorts of work for overseas students in Taiwan is teaching English. Many language schools and cram schools hire native English speakers as English teachers, which may be a terrific way for overseas students to earn money while learning about the local culture and getting teaching experience.
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Other alternatives for international students in Taiwan, outside from teaching English, include the English Language Teacher Assistant (ELTA) program. This program, run by Taiwan's Ministry of Education, permits overseas students to work as language teaching assistants in local public schools, assisting Taiwanese English teachers with classroom activities and providing students with opportunities for language practice. This can be a great experience for overseas students because it lets them engage with local students and teachers, learn about the Taiwanese education system, and build crucial teaching skills.
In conclusion, living as an expat in Taiwan as a Polish student has been a rewarding experience, but it does come with its challenges, such as limitations on working hours, language barriers, time management, and being away from home. However, with proper planning, support, and a positive mindset, these challenges can be overcome, and the overall experience of living and studying in Taiwan can be enriching and fulfilling.
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