American Student Studying Chinese in Taiwan
Tiger, USA
1
How did first become interested in learning Chinese?
為什麼對學中文有興趣？
I wasn’t interested in Chinese when I first came to Taiwan. I was here to teach English. Then I saw my friend who was my high school classmate started to improve his Chinese language. I didn’t want to be left behind. It would be absurd if I go back to the USA and I can’t speak a word of Chinese! Now my motivation is different, I plan to teach yoga in Chinese.
2
When did you first think of coming to Taiwan?
第一次想來台灣的想法是什麼時候發生的？
After graduating from college, I decided to go to Asia, and I planned to go to Korea. In the end that didn’t work out. Now, I am glad I came to Taiwan because I love it here! I came because a friend of mine invited me.
3
When you first arrived did you speak Chinese at all?
剛到台灣的時候，會說中文嗎？
Not at all!!
4
Is it easy to live in Taiwan?
在台灣生活容易嗎？
It’s easier than in America to me! Plus, if you are a native speaker of English and you can handle kids, then it’s easy to find a job about teaching English.
5
How many hours per week do you have class?
一周上幾小時華語課？
15 hours per week.
6
Would you say your university has a welcoming environment for overseas students?
文化大學的學習環境對外國學生好不好，為什麼?
Yes! But there are difference between my classmates and me as I came to Taiwan originally to work and later enrolled in Chinese classes. Nonetheless, the teachers and employees are very kind to me and all my fellow students!
7
What’s the best thing about Taiwan?
認為台灣最好的事物為何？
Nice people, nice atmosphere and the weather is hot.
8
How long will you stay?
預計在台灣待多久？
Forever.
9
How will studying Chinese further your goals?
你要怎麼使用中文來幫助你實現或達到你的目標?
It makes living in Taiwan convenient. I can make more Taiwanese friends and use Chinese to teach yoga.
10
How would you respond to people who say it’s too expensive to study overseas?
有些外國學生覺得學費太貴，對於這件事你的想法是什麼嗎？
There are some scholarships you can get. Also, you can look for a job teaching your own country’s language and then you can afford the fee.
11
What three reasons would you give to other people in your country for coming to study Chinese in Taiwan?
請說出三大理由，推薦給您母國的其他想來台學華語的人？
Taiwan’s is safer than many other places you can study Chinese.
Chinese is becoming steadily more important and thus an increasingly more valuable tool.
And, learning Chinese in Taiwan is fun!
Chinese is becoming steadily more important and thus an increasingly more valuable tool.
And, learning Chinese in Taiwan is fun!