Taiwanese student interview (Nana)

PROFILE

‐Name: Nana
‐Selected Course: ESL
‐Study Abroad Duration: 4 weeks
‐Room Type: Double
‐Travel Period: Mid-January to Mid-February 2025

INTERVIEW

What made you decide to study abroad?

I used to major in business at university. While I was able to learn a broad range of topics, I felt that I couldn’t study any of them in depth. That’s why I decided to change my major and study something. I am interested in English.

Since all the classes at my university are conducted in English, I realized that improving my English skills would be essential to achieving good grades. This became one of the main reasons I decided to study abroad. Additionally, I believe English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Although I don’t have any specific plans to use English in my future career, I have always been fascinated by the language itself.

Why did you choose CWA?

I chose CWA because there are few Taiwanese students. I wanted an environment where I could fully immerse myself in English without relying on my native language.

How have you grown or changed through studying abroad?

Studying English here has given me confidence in speaking. Before coming to this school, I didn’t even dare to communicate with my classmates because I wasn’t sure if they were Taiwanese or not. I was afraid of making mistakes and felt insecure about my English skills. However, after spending time here, I started to open up and talk to people from different backgrounds. Now, I feel much more comfortable having conversations in English, even with strangers.

How was the language school and your accommodation?

If you want to improve your vocabulary, I recommend choosing a TOEIC or TOEFL course. These courses provide structured learning and help expand your word bank effectively.

One of the things I enjoyed about studying here was the diversity of students. I made friends with some Arabic students, and it was a great experience to learn about their culture while improving my English.

As for the teachers, they were all very kind, patient, and supportive. They always encouraged me to speak more and corrected my mistakes in a helpful way, which made learning much easier.

How did you study English?

I used various methods to study English. I frequently used language-learning apps such as Duolingo, and I also read books to improve my comprehension. In addition, I practiced writing essays, which I found quite challenging.

One of the biggest difficulties I faced was listening and pronunciation. English has a lot of linking sounds, which made it hard to understand spoken conversations at first. However, by listening to English daily, I gradually got used to it. Grammar, on the other hand, was relatively easy for me.

I also made use of modern tools like ChatGPT to practice my English. During lessons, I would ask my teachers any questions I had, and during self-study sessions, I would review what I had learned. I found this combination of structured lessons and independent learning to be very effective.

What is the most memorable experience from your study abroad?

One of the most surprising things I learned was that divorce is difficult to obtain in the Philippines due to strict laws. This was quite different from my home country, so it left a strong impression on me.

Another unforgettable experience was when I tried to rent a car for a trip and ended up falling for a scam. It was a stressful situation, but I learned a valuable lesson about being cautious when dealing with unfamiliar services abroad.

Do you have a message for those considering studying abroad?

Just relax! Studying English is not difficult at all. At first, it may seem overwhelming, but if you keep practicing and don’t give up, you will definitely improve. Also, don’t be afraid to make mistakes—learning from them is part of the process.