This leg of the trip feels very different from the previous ones. To be honest, it’s a shock to me. There’s less pressure to fit in and to make friends because I am no longer alone- I have established a network. Strangely enough, I find myself making friends without even trying, which alleviates the pressure and makes everything a lot more enjoyable.
One notable aspect of being abroad for an extended period is the high turnover of people who come and go. Everyone seems to have a purpose that fits within a specific timeline, whether it’s to learn Chinese, obtain a graduate degree or for a business opportunity. You’ll make new friends at an incredible pace, but you’ll also lose them when they leave. The friends I’ve made now live in different corners of the world, giving me an excuse to visit them someday.
Surprisingly, I feel slightly less like a foreigner now, despite looking different from most people here. When I traveled to Thailand, although I genuinely loved the trip, I was anxious to return home – in Taiwan! Taiwan feels like my home away from home. You become accustomed to a place, and your confidence grows as familiarity settles in. I have my favorite hotpot restaurant, coffee shop, and bubble tea store, and possess a gym membership. Moreover, as trivial as it may seem, I now know the best times to take the bus or the MRT to avoid rush hour and how long it’ll take me to get from A to B.
Most importantly, I can communicate more effectively with people now. The Chinese I know is enough to convey my meaning or ask questions. Often, I use a mix of English and Chinese with the people that I encounter, which greatly enhances our communication. My extended stay has also led to more profound conversations with Taiwanese people about the current political and social state of the country. I’m even hearing about local gossip. It has helped me expand my thoughts further than North America.
Additionally, I’m exploring more. As an introvert and shy person, becoming comfortable in my environment has allowed my curiosity to flourish. I find myself more willing to try new things and venture out. Indeed, I’ve visited many temples with my friends and attended national basketball games, as well as explored local flower and jade markets. Moreover, I will explore on my own now too!
The McCall MacBain International Fellowships are open to undergraduate students of McGill University, University of Manitoba, Dalhousie University, and McMaster University, along with recipients of the McCall Huron County and MacBain Niagara Falls Scholarships studying at any Canadian institution. The Fellowships accept applications between October to January each year.