My Tzu Chi Experience

I attended the Chinese Language Center of Tzu Chi University for about 18 months. I arrived in Taiwan with no previous knowledge of Mandarin. The staff was very helpful in tailoring my studies to fit my learning habits. During my time at Tzu Chi I took both individual and group classes, each of which provided their own distinct advantages. I enjoyed the diversity of my group classes, meeting classmates from all over Asia, Europe, and North America. Several of which I still remain in contact with.

During my time studying at Tzu Chi I became very sick and had to have my gall-bladder removed. The staff and my teacher were amazing in helping me though this ordeal. They visited me in the hospital and were accommodating as I tried to catch-up on my studies. I could tell that they cared for me not only as a student but as a person.

Tzu Chi University is located in Hualien, Taiwan, which is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The city is located on the east coast of Taiwan and is in-between the ocean and the mountains. What I also enjoyed about studying at Tzu Chi is that Hualien is a more relaxed city than the larger cities of Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. The campus itself has large wide open green spaces, which can be somewhat hard to find within Taiwan cities. It has a very peaceful atmosphere.

As, I write this I am still living in Taiwan and work for a Taiwanese non-profit that operates predominately in Mandarin.