A Life-changing 6 months in Taipei

I’m incredibly grateful for my 6 months at CGY in Taipei. My Chinese improved dramatically thanks to the rigorous classes and full cultural immersion. But beyond language, the program gave me the chance to learn more about myself, travel, live independently, and so much more.

The classes are engaging, and the rule of speaking only Chinese inside the school building was essential in helping me master conversational Chinese. Most classes are either 1-on-1 or small group (2-4 students), which meant I received a lot of individualized attention from the amazing teachers. While there was sometimes a fair amount of homework, I found it manageable as I developed my time-management skills. The cultural classes were also fascinating, and our semi-weekly excursions were a great way to explore Taipei and Taiwan in a deeper, more interactive way.

Outside of class, I had the chance to travel around Asia with friends from the program. Taiwan’s location makes it easy to get to places like Hong Kong, Japan, and China on budget-friendly flights. Those travels, both in Taiwan and beyond, were some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Taipei itself is an awesome city—not too big, not too small—and it’s incredibly easy to get around with just a YouBike and an EasyCard for the metro and buses. Plus, the food is incredibly affordable!

The friendships I formed during the program were equally meaningful. CGY students spend a lot of time together, and I’m thankful for the relationships I built in Taipei. The program draws people from all over the world, and those connections gave me a broader perspective on life beyond my own experience in the U.S.

As I prepare to start college this fall, my time in Taiwan has given me a greater sense of purpose and confidence. I feel more capable of handling new challenges, making friends, and living independently. CGY provided the ideal environment for me to learn, practice, and grow these skills, and I’m deeply thankful to everyone at CGY for making it all possible.

If you have any questions about the program, feel free to text or WhatsApp me at (+1) 804-625-6295. I’m happy to answer any questions!