Program and Location:
Spring, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
Major/Minor:
Foreign Languages & Literature: Asian Language Concentration International Studies: East and Southeast Asia Concentration Business Administration: Supply Chain Concentration
Why did you choose to study abroad?
I chose to study abroad because I wanted to challenge myself by stepping outside of my comfort zone and experience a new culture firsthand. I also knew immersing myself into the culture would help me build my language skills.
How did you pick your program?
I knew I wanted to go somewhere in Asia and likely a Chinese speaking country. I had a few options, but Taiwan spoke to me the most.
What is something you learned about yourself? How are you different? How are you the same? Or, what did you realize about about your own culture by living in another one?
I learned that I’m more adaptable and independent than I thought. Being in a new environment pushed me to become more resourceful. I am so used to driving everywhere being in an environment without a car was an adjustment at first. I also learned and pushed myself into trying a lot of new foods. Living abroad helped me appreciate the unique aspects of my own culture that I had taken for granted and also made me more open-minded about other ways of living.
What advice would you give to another student?
I would tell other students to stay curious and open-minded. I would also tell them to ensure they have a good support system. Being away from home in a new environment can be challenging without people in your corner. Connecting with locals and other international students is a great way to make friends and the most out of the experience.
How were your classes abroad different than if you would have taken them at NC State? Did you take any field trips or do anything outside of the traditional classroom?
The courses here have a much lighter course load then the ones I have taken at state. For some of my courses the grades were based on 2 assignments, a presentation and a final or midterm. There were not many quizzes or homework assignments throughout the semester. We did take a trip to the lab for my operations course. We played a distribution game to understand how the different impact of different roles in product distribution. The professor gave the top 3 winning team a 红包 (which is a little red envelope with money).
How did you connect with locals and/or meet local friends?
I connected with my tour guide when I first got to campus and maintained contact with her. Through that I was able to meet other locals as well. I know living in the dorms it was easier to meet local friends who also lived there. Classes were another great way to meet people. Many courses had group projects that were mixed groups of international and local students.
In what ways did your identity have an impact on your experience abroad?
Being Black abroad definitely shaped my experience in unique ways. I often found that people were curious about me and my background, sometimes asking, “Where are you really from?”. There also times touching my hair without asking and taking photos of me. It made me more aware of how my identity stood out in that culture and sometimes made me feel like I was on display rather than just blending in as a student.
How safe did you feel there? And/or, where did you find support to navigate any challenges you faced abroad?
Overall, I felt relatively safe, but there were moments when I noticed people staring. Often older people or children, this was likely just curiosity. I found support in connecting with other international students.
Would you do it again?
Absolutely. Studying abroad was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I was able to meet so many people and travel to other countries as well. Given the chance I would definitely do it again.
