My personal goals for this trip are to have the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture by engaging with the local communities, exploring historical sites, and trying traditional Taiwanese cuisine. I hope build connections with both local residents and fellow students on this trip, and grow more confident in navigating unfamiliar environments. I am also excited to learn more about Taiwan’s culture and be able to experience a new culture/society firsthand. One of my main fears is the language barriers that might limit my ability to communicate or fully engage with other people.
Thank you for sharing your goals. Your mindset, namely curiosity, openness, and a readiness to connect, will set you up for success. Exploring Taiwan, meeting new people, and sampling traditional cuisine will help you grow and create lasting memories.
Feeling nervous about language barriers is perfectly natural. Do not let that stop you. Locals appreciate any effort to communicate, even a simple smile or phrase. You will learn more than you expect along the way.
When I came to the US, my English was very poor, and my English is still poor now, but I am not afraid to speak English, because that’s how I can improve.
Enjoy every moment of this adventure.