Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
From Jonathan - May 29
We had an entire day of activities scheduled today because it was our last chance to spend time with our instructors and our tour guide, John.
The day began with us visiting the Tapei Zoo and seeing all the attractions it had to offer. I'm not sure why, but for some reason panda bears are overwhelmingly popular in Taiwan.
There was an outrageously long line to see the pandas even though people were only allowed to view them for a few seconds.
They were the main attraction so people came from far and near to see them. It was a nice experience. After the zoo, we went to sing karoake. It was probably one of the most fun experiences I've had since being in Taiwan.
We began by singing a song by a popular Taiwanese artist named Jay Chou and after that the songs just kept coming. Everyone picked songs that they liked and performed them for the group. The songs ranged from "Barbie Girl" by Aqua to "White Wedding" by Billy Idol. We all had such a GREAT time that we didn't want to leave once our time was up. Finally, we went to a Japanese restaurant to have dinner. We all talked, joked, and laughed until it was time to say our goodbyes. This Friday was one of the most enjoyable and fun-filled days I have had in Taiwan.
The day began with us visiting the Tapei Zoo and seeing all the attractions it had to offer. I'm not sure why, but for some reason panda bears are overwhelmingly popular in Taiwan.
There was an outrageously long line to see the pandas even though people were only allowed to view them for a few seconds.
They were the main attraction so people came from far and near to see them. It was a nice experience. After the zoo, we went to sing karoake. It was probably one of the most fun experiences I've had since being in Taiwan.
We began by singing a song by a popular Taiwanese artist named Jay Chou and after that the songs just kept coming. Everyone picked songs that they liked and performed them for the group. The songs ranged from "Barbie Girl" by Aqua to "White Wedding" by Billy Idol. We all had such a GREAT time that we didn't want to leave once our time was up. Finally, we went to a Japanese restaurant to have dinner. We all talked, joked, and laughed until it was time to say our goodbyes. This Friday was one of the most enjoyable and fun-filled days I have had in Taiwan.
From Courtney - May 26
Today is basically the last day of class before our big test.
We reviewed the material that would be on the final exam. I really enjoyed both class sessions because it tested my knowledge and how much I knew.
My vocabulary has increased tremendously. I love the fact that I can understand most Taiwanese people when they are engaging in conversations. Maybe I can't understand every single word, but I do understand bits and pieces! I expect nothing less than a B+ on this exam because I have familiarized myself with enough vocabulary and I am comfortable with what I know. We also had a small study session today, which makes me even more confident. As Sunday draws near I become a little sad because I will be leaving Taiwan.
My experience here has been so great that I do not want to go back home. I would love to come back again. I will truly miss the people I have met and I won't forget the wonderful places I have been.
This trip has truly been a blessing to me because not everyone has this opportunity given to them.
We reviewed the material that would be on the final exam. I really enjoyed both class sessions because it tested my knowledge and how much I knew.
My vocabulary has increased tremendously. I love the fact that I can understand most Taiwanese people when they are engaging in conversations. Maybe I can't understand every single word, but I do understand bits and pieces! I expect nothing less than a B+ on this exam because I have familiarized myself with enough vocabulary and I am comfortable with what I know. We also had a small study session today, which makes me even more confident. As Sunday draws near I become a little sad because I will be leaving Taiwan.
My experience here has been so great that I do not want to go back home. I would love to come back again. I will truly miss the people I have met and I won't forget the wonderful places I have been.
This trip has truly been a blessing to me because not everyone has this opportunity given to them.
From Jonathan - May 31
Well today marked the ending of our journey in Taiwan.
The majority of it was spent packing and preparing for our departure. It was sad to think of all the people we had met and grown so close with in our short time being here. Hopefully we will be able to keep in contact with them. I, and I'm pretty sure my classmates, would like to thank everyone who we have come in contact with and that have taught us so much; all the staff at Fu Jen University who worked so hard to accommodate us and enrich our learning experience, our guide, John, who made himself available whenever we needed him, and most importantly thanks to Chen Laoshi (Ms. Piletz) because without her great ability to persuade people, I would have missed out on this life changing experience.
I didn't think in my wildest dreams I would ever leave the country. Matter of fact, I didn't want to but Chen Laoshi (Ms. Piletz) did her best to convince me it was worth it and, I have to admit, she was right.
So thanks again to everyone in Taiwan and back home at Jackson State University who made this journey possible because it has benefitted me beyond measure.
The majority of it was spent packing and preparing for our departure. It was sad to think of all the people we had met and grown so close with in our short time being here. Hopefully we will be able to keep in contact with them. I, and I'm pretty sure my classmates, would like to thank everyone who we have come in contact with and that have taught us so much; all the staff at Fu Jen University who worked so hard to accommodate us and enrich our learning experience, our guide, John, who made himself available whenever we needed him, and most importantly thanks to Chen Laoshi (Ms. Piletz) because without her great ability to persuade people, I would have missed out on this life changing experience.
I didn't think in my wildest dreams I would ever leave the country. Matter of fact, I didn't want to but Chen Laoshi (Ms. Piletz) did her best to convince me it was worth it and, I have to admit, she was right.
So thanks again to everyone in Taiwan and back home at Jackson State University who made this journey possible because it has benefitted me beyond measure.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009
From Ode - May 18
We are now upon the beginning of our third week in Taiwan.
Today, after our classes, we went to see Taiwan's formal President Chiang Kai-Shek's Memorial Hall at Freedom Square.
The site reminds me a lot of our Lincoln Memorial. While there, we had the chance to admire his statue and see the changing of the guards that stand on both sides of the president's memorial statue.
It was an interesting performance. After the performance, we browsed the museum located below the statue. It was pretty amazing site, and I made sure to get souvenirs. As we visited all these places, I found myself more and more impressed. There is a great deal of attractions in Taiwan. I never figured that there would be so many attractions on such a relatively small island. I wonder where we'll be next. Maybe we might end up at the mountains lol.
Till next time...
Today, after our classes, we went to see Taiwan's formal President Chiang Kai-Shek's Memorial Hall at Freedom Square.
The site reminds me a lot of our Lincoln Memorial. While there, we had the chance to admire his statue and see the changing of the guards that stand on both sides of the president's memorial statue.
It was an interesting performance. After the performance, we browsed the museum located below the statue. It was pretty amazing site, and I made sure to get souvenirs. As we visited all these places, I found myself more and more impressed. There is a great deal of attractions in Taiwan. I never figured that there would be so many attractions on such a relatively small island. I wonder where we'll be next. Maybe we might end up at the mountains lol.
Till next time...
Thursday, May 14, 2009
From Courtney - May 14
Today in class, we went over Lesson 3 in our workbooks. Zhang Laoshi (Teacher Zhang) helped us work on our listening skills.
This is a big help to me because when I first started learning Chinese I was very tone deaf. Now that I have better listening skills I can pick up on the tones much better. My vocabulary has increased tremendously and it is beneficial to me when I decide to begin a conversation with a Taiwanese student from the university. The more I study the tones and vocabulary, the easier it is for me to make sentences using proper Chinese word order. I know if I try harder and harder I will become better and better during my stay here, even if it is for just one month.
This is a big help to me because when I first started learning Chinese I was very tone deaf. Now that I have better listening skills I can pick up on the tones much better. My vocabulary has increased tremendously and it is beneficial to me when I decide to begin a conversation with a Taiwanese student from the university. The more I study the tones and vocabulary, the easier it is for me to make sentences using proper Chinese word order. I know if I try harder and harder I will become better and better during my stay here, even if it is for just one month.
From Courtney - May 6
Wednesday May 6, 2009Today was the day of the German Festival.
There were many forms of entertainment such as various shopping booths, music, dancing, and plenty of food.
I really enjoyed the musical selections.
Even a few of my classmates participated in a performance on stage while the rest of us cheered them on and took lots of pictures. I have really been enjoying my stay here in Taiwan.
I feel very safe and comfortable in this kind of environment. I
f I am able to I want to come back to Taiwan for another summer to study at Fu Jen University. I wouldn't even mind staying here a full year t go to school. I love it here just that much!
There were many forms of entertainment such as various shopping booths, music, dancing, and plenty of food.
I really enjoyed the musical selections.
Even a few of my classmates participated in a performance on stage while the rest of us cheered them on and took lots of pictures. I have really been enjoying my stay here in Taiwan.
I feel very safe and comfortable in this kind of environment. I
f I am able to I want to come back to Taiwan for another summer to study at Fu Jen University. I wouldn't even mind staying here a full year t go to school. I love it here just that much!
From Ode - May 14
Today was a good day. Time seems to be going by fast.
We are already at our second Sunday marking a little over a week of being here.
I must say that I needed this weekend. I finally got to rest up a little yesterday.
There is so much to do and learn here that we are constantly on the move with our studies and adventures. Today I went to one of many night markets that can be found in Taiwan, which generally open around six o'clock in the evening. My friend Desiree and I went to do a little shopping and looking around. I bought me a few pairs of pants, a couple of shirts, and a nice hat to top it off. Finding my size was definitely a hassle lol.
Mostly all of the sizes here were too small, but I finally found my size which is a 5XL in pants, 2XL in casual shirts, and a 4XL in formal long sleeve shirts. I can't say I had the same luck in the shoe departments. The highest size sold in Taiwan is like two or 3 sizes too small lol. Well it's time for me to call it a night. I'm exhausted.
We are already at our second Sunday marking a little over a week of being here.
I must say that I needed this weekend. I finally got to rest up a little yesterday.
There is so much to do and learn here that we are constantly on the move with our studies and adventures. Today I went to one of many night markets that can be found in Taiwan, which generally open around six o'clock in the evening. My friend Desiree and I went to do a little shopping and looking around. I bought me a few pairs of pants, a couple of shirts, and a nice hat to top it off. Finding my size was definitely a hassle lol.
Mostly all of the sizes here were too small, but I finally found my size which is a 5XL in pants, 2XL in casual shirts, and a 4XL in formal long sleeve shirts. I can't say I had the same luck in the shoe departments. The highest size sold in Taiwan is like two or 3 sizes too small lol. Well it's time for me to call it a night. I'm exhausted.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
From William - May 7
Thursday began as a usual class day, awake at 6:30am, language study from 8am to 12pm.
After class John and Zhang Laoshi (teacher) met us at the hotel to go into the city to get cell phones and go shopping.
After a short bus ride to the Taipei Main Station we had lunch there before walking down to the " Youth Travel in Taiwan Taipei " office to receive cell phones.
Unfortunately, only two students out of our group brought any ID with them except a passport, so we were only able to obtain 2 of the 4 cell phones they had available for us.
We then took a short bus ride over to the Xi Men shopping district to spend a few hours before returning home. There we split into 3 groups; Ode and Derrick went to go see the new X-Men movie (I heard excellent reviews from them.), Desiree and Courtney went shopping with Zhang Laoshi, while Chris, Jonathan, and myself did a little shopping with John.
It was a mostly uneventful evening there, though I did buy a new hat. Once X-Men was over, we all met up outside the theater to ride the bus home.
After class John and Zhang Laoshi (teacher) met us at the hotel to go into the city to get cell phones and go shopping.
After a short bus ride to the Taipei Main Station we had lunch there before walking down to the " Youth Travel in Taiwan Taipei " office to receive cell phones.
Unfortunately, only two students out of our group brought any ID with them except a passport, so we were only able to obtain 2 of the 4 cell phones they had available for us.
We then took a short bus ride over to the Xi Men shopping district to spend a few hours before returning home. There we split into 3 groups; Ode and Derrick went to go see the new X-Men movie (I heard excellent reviews from them.), Desiree and Courtney went shopping with Zhang Laoshi, while Chris, Jonathan, and myself did a little shopping with John.
It was a mostly uneventful evening there, though I did buy a new hat. Once X-Men was over, we all met up outside the theater to ride the bus home.
From Desiree - May 7
| THE SHOPPING HERE IS GREAT!!!! THE FOOD IS AWESOME!!!!! THE CULTURE IS TERRIFIC!!!!!! I have no complaints at all. This is a great opportunity for my classmates and me. I don't regret coming and I think everyone should get a chance to see something outside of their everyday norms for themselves. So far, nobody has got sick, or hurt (knock on wood!). NO JET LAG!!!!!!lol A lot of us are already preparing for our next visit for a semester at Fu Jen University. WO AI TAIPE (I love Taipe)!I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!^_^ P.s. THE CLASSES HERE ARE INTENSE BUT THE TEACHERS MAKE SURE YOU LEARN YOUR STUFF. IF YOU KNOW MEI CHI ON A PERSONAL LEVEL THEN YOU CAN UNDERSTAND THIS WHEN I SAY ALL LAO SHI(S) (Teachers) HERE CARE!!!!!!^_^ ZAI JIAN (Goodbye)! |
From Ode - May 7
Today marks the second day of class and the forth day of what is turning out to be a very enlightening experience.
I seem to have woken up at four o'clock again for classes that don't start till eight o'clock lol. I guess that's a result of excitement! or maybe jet lag.
Anyway, we are continuing to study, explore and interact in the culture here. Classes are starting off well. We are practically soaring through the lessons and improving our Mandarin.
Everywhere we step is literally another lesson. We are constantly being challenged with new obstacles in which I'm really beginning to grasp my potential. Plus I tend to eat a lot over here. Actually we all are. T
he food is sooooo cheap lol, and fresh.
We are already starting on chapter 2 today, learning about shopping and how to ask unit prices as well and a little bit of bargaining. We also had our first study session and quiz today, and of course everyone did well on it. Well that's all I got for now. Till next time.
I seem to have woken up at four o'clock again for classes that don't start till eight o'clock lol. I guess that's a result of excitement! or maybe jet lag.
Anyway, we are continuing to study, explore and interact in the culture here. Classes are starting off well. We are practically soaring through the lessons and improving our Mandarin.
Everywhere we step is literally another lesson. We are constantly being challenged with new obstacles in which I'm really beginning to grasp my potential. Plus I tend to eat a lot over here. Actually we all are. T
he food is sooooo cheap lol, and fresh.
We are already starting on chapter 2 today, learning about shopping and how to ask unit prices as well and a little bit of bargaining. We also had our first study session and quiz today, and of course everyone did well on it. Well that's all I got for now. Till next time.
From Christopher - May 1
|
From Jonathan - May 4
| Today was a very exciting day in our Taiwan experience. It was the first day of class. We were introduced to all of the people that we will have contact with as it relates to our educational experience. Everyone was very welcoming and nice which made me feel much more relaxed. Our teachers were willing to answer any questions we had about Taiwan and its people. I discovered that most of the people here, including our teachers, are just as interested in our way of life in America as we are in theirs. They also spoke Mandarin Chinese the majority of the class even though they were fluent in English. This allowed me to enhance my listening skills, and after one day my listening has improved dramatically but it still takes time to understand people sometimes because each region has its own dialect just like in America. Matter of fact, Taiwan has its own language although Mandarin Chinese is its official language. I am enjoying my experience tremendously and can't wait to see what the next few weeks have in store. |
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