Weekly Report | Lessons Learned (Vol. 5)

My 6-week volunteering is about to end. It was my first time coming to Taiwan and also my first solo trip. Let me tell you, it was a whole lot fun and I would definitely do it again in the future (after I save money from バイト)! When travelling alone, I notice how one can get more exposure to a ‘foreign culture’ and gain more experience! I absolutely learned a lot and would like to share some of my thoughts.

1. Not expecting anything could be a good idea

Sometimes you could be disappointed when you have certain expectations but ended up not really experiencing it, right? It was the same for me too. For this time though, I tried not to and I bear in mind that anything that I could receive is just enough. In return, I would just find myself getting more than I want or need. It is just like getting surprises everyday. From eating big meals to meeting hilarious kids, from free beers (yup) in school BBQ to island trip, you name it. I had one expectation though, and it was that I would love the ‘stinky tofu’, but I just could not eat it. So as I told you, lesson learned (no offence, Taiwanese friends).

School BBQ

2. Have an open mind

People do things differently in different places. You might like it or you might not. I think it is always important to remember to respect how the locals do their thing and remember that you deliberately chose to visit their place. I would say that I love it here though! Friendliest people ever.

3. Lost in translation = Silent time

As a person, I have this tendency of needing people around me, who I can talk with whenever I want. Here however, I could not do it all the time. I know a little Chinese before I came to Taiwan and I managed just fine for commuting around or buying things, but I could not express myself as much that I was quite lonely for the first few weeks. On the other hand, I also think it’s good to have some silent time. I had more time to think, to do things I like and also to practice patience. Basically things I’d love to do more often but had no chance before ☺.

4th-graders Girl Band 

4. Be observant (Inspirations are everywhere!)

It has been my habit to observe and just look around for details everywhere. But in a new environment, you’re able to do it all the time! You can compare different transportation systems, discuss about education systems (my volunteer was conducted in a school), feel loved by strangers, and be amazed by carefully designed temples or simply by nature! I’m very happy that I spend quite some time (even though I don’t feel it) here in Taiwan that I could take my travel slowly. Sometimes we could miss a lot when we’re always rushed or too busy, don’t we?

At a Local Market

5. Embrace mistakes

This comes to the teaching part I’m doing here while also making this trip a language excursion. Put it short:

-It’s okay to make mistakes.

-Mistakes are part of learning.

-Don’t worry too much.

-Just start doing it (you only have now!)

-Practice makes perfect

-It’s okay to ask for help (you are not alone ☺)

Human Alphabets 

6. Living in a different way

During school time, even though I am living with my friends in a shared apartment, I developed a ‘my-pace’ habit. We mind our own businesses that sometimes I think I only care about my needs. Here with the Huang family, we always eat dinner together. Even after dinner, I’d stay in the living room with them. Everyone is doing his or her own work (kids with their homework, parents with their paperwork and me with preparing lessons) individually but everything’s done together. At first I am quite uncomfortable because I’d like my own space but I could adapt! In fact, thanks to this I realized the importance of spending quality time with kids when it comes to parenting. My homestay siblings are so lovely and they excel at school! I’m not sure if I conclude too fast or not, but they really are amazing kids. ☺

7. Time flies

Finally, last but not least! Before, I thought 6 weeks is going to be a long time. But as people say, time really does fly. So never forget “Carpe Diem”, seize the day!