“Taiwan is just so different compared to Lithuania”
Daria Pieczulis, Student of East Asian Cultures and Languages // VMU Bilateral Exchange studies in Taiwan, National Cheng Kung University
Why did you choose this country and this university?
I majored in the Chinese language so naturally, I wished to go to a Chinese-speaking country. Although Taiwan and China differ in culture and have slight differences in language, the country of my choice was more willing to welcome foreign students from Lithuania.
What’s the difference between the study process at VMU and your host university?
The most shocking fact was that the lowest percentage you can get to pass the class was 70% while in VMU 50%. The grading is also different, based on letters from A-F. While presenting a project in the class, the entire presentation could be read from the page you made beforehand. I was surprised because in Lithuania doing so could greatly reduce the grade, while in Taiwan it is normal, and a lot of students do so. This may be the case because a lot of lectures require presentations (sometimes multiple) and the professors do not want to burden the students too much.
What are your TOP 3 impressions of the country? What did you like/dislike?
Taiwan is just so different compared to Lithuania. The atmosphere, food, and culture. My first impression was the weather. I wore short-sleeved shirts till the very end of the bilateral exchange, which was at the beginning of January. Secondly, the food was cheap and delicious. One might expect spiciness but as Tainan (in which I studied) has a long history with sugar cane plantations, the food there is often sweet and the people there cannot stand spiciness (the people mentioned are local friends). And last but not least, the scenery stole my heart. Different shrines, pagodas for Buddha or different gods, plants not seen in my entire life, tea plantation. Everything was just too breathtaking. If I may add my top 4th impression, then Taiwan has a lot of scooters on the road. Impressive and scary at first but one can get used to it quickly and when I got back to Lithuania I kind of missed all the bustling from the scooters.
Your main tip for the students who would like to participate in the exchange programs abroad.
Do not be afraid of a new environment! I have mentioned beautiful scenery, but I could have seen much more if only I was not afraid to interact with people. The very first month I only ate food deliveries because although I learned Chinese the phrases, they used to be somewhat different, and ordering something from their menu was out of my comfort zone. After the month I opened slowly and started going to various restaurants. I also, after that period, made local friends. A big tip I would consider is to not miss home too soon. Have a happy life abroad and do not regret spending money, buying things, and travel, travel, travel!
Do you want to participate in this program?
VMU invites you to explore the most exciting exchange possibilities!
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