Cultural Differences

The language barrier and living as a foreigner in a strange city will present a variety of challenges. Culture shock and cultural differences specific to Taiwan will be discussed in detail during orientation, but it is a good idea to begin preparing yourself for some of these challenges now.

During your stay in Taiwan, you will need to adapt to new patterns of behavior.  The best way to begin this is to keep in mind how you as a foreigner appear to local citizens. Notice the differences in the behavior of students of your gender and age. Our participants do not go to Taiwan deliberately indifferent to local sensibilities. However, some customs and attitudes differ from ours, and it is possible to offend someone unintentionally.  You will also sometimes be offended by the behavior and comments of the Taiwanese. Beware that prejudices that exist in American culture (against those who are Black/African-American; against the LGBTQ+ community; against Jews, etc.) are common in Chinese culture as well and are spoken of more openly.  Be prepared for these comments on the street, in the classroom, and in your dormitory.

Life as a foreigner in Taiwan can be fun, exhilarating, and eye opening, but also sometimes frustrating. Your experience depends to a large degree on your own expectations and approach.  We have found that if you go to Taiwan with unrealistic expectations, you will almost certainly be disappointed; but if your expectations are realistic, you will be able to enjoy Taiwan to its fullest and take any frustrations you encounter in stride.

One of the major differences between life in the United States as a student and your life on the island is that you will be perceived by many as a member of a group.  In Chinese culture and on Taiwan, groups are more important than they are in the United States, and you will be expected to act as a group member. Students may be asked to engage in activities together, such as performing for the Taiwanese students on campus or taking group excursions.

You will find it easier to adapt if you avoid spending a lot of time in Western bars and with other Westerners in Taiwan. Western bars, restaurants, and clubs may be comfortable and fun, but resorting to them will hinder your adjustment to life abroad.  Instead, spending as much time as possible with your Taiwanese friends and exploring the city itself will enhance your language learning and make it easier for you to understand why things happen the way they do in Taiwan.

Taiwan is a developing country, though on the surface, it seems more developed than the US in many ways. But the material standard of living for many Taiwanese is lower than many Westerners realize. Your standard of living as a student abroad, while higher than that of most local students, will probably be lower than the level to which you are accustomed. Conveniences that we take for granted, such as good plumbing, do not always operate at the same level of efficiency as we expect in the West.  If you recognize and accept from the start the inconveniences of Taiwanese life and understand that these inconveniences are shared or experienced even more profoundly by your hosts, you will be much happier while you are there.

Please keep in mind, however, that Middlebury in Taiwan staff have to operate in the local context. There may be unspoken political or social conditions that you may not be aware of that affect everyday situations in Taiwan.  Middlebury in Taiwan works very hard to solve whatever problems you encounter, but there will be times when there may be no possible resolution or you won’t find the solution to your liking.

For all of these reasons, it is easy to get discouraged.  Groups of foreigners who are together in Taiwan for an extended period of time may fall into a habit of negative thought, especially if their expectations are not realistic.  The best defense against this is to try to understand the underlying reasons for difficulties, change what can be changed, and work around those things that cannot be changed. You can spend a lot of time getting frustrated over aspects of life abroad that you cannot change, or you can accept them and make the most of this unique opportunity to observe Taiwanese society and Chinese culture at close range and learn how to deal with vast cultural differences.  Life in Taiwan can be exciting and rewarding for those who approach it with the right frame of mind.

Remember too — To the people you meet, you represent not only yourself but your country. You may be the only foreigner they have encountered, and they will often judge others by their impressions of you.