Where is the world is Taiwan? Mini Post.

Where in Taiwan?

Taiwan is a small country in Asia near China! The population is around 24 million (source: CIA Fact book). While Mandarin Chinese is the official spoken language, Taiwanese is also spoken. Most of the population in Taiwan is middle aged adults.

source: google

The Taiwanese are known to be some of the most hospitable, kind and generous people in all of Asia and the world. The capital Taipei holds an amazing arts, cultural happenings and cuisines from around Asia and the world.


The general population is Buddhist. There are thousands of Buddhist temples on the island of Taiwan. One of the largest and oldest temples is Guang Shan Monastery in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Source: trip advisor

Further Reading on Taiwan:

The World Fact book Taiwan Profile

Rough Guide: Taiwan

Taiwan's Female Face-Off. Taiwan's Presidential Elections

Taiwan Blogs:

Al's Blog

This beautiful blog is made by Al who is currently teaching at St. James' which is the school I will be teaching at in Taichung.

Everyday Taiwan Insta Photo's- Food & Culture of Taiwan

A compilation of photography of Taiwan's food & cultural offerings.

The Daily Bubble Tea-

The followings of a beautiful Taiwanese-American family in Taiwan.

Thank you for reading! Stay tuned for more news about my journey, integration into a new community & teaching environment and travel advice!

The move: Taiwan.

The name behind the blog.

In the past 4 years I have moved- ALOT. The last 4 years have taken me to India, Kenya, & Ghana .Settled in Cambridge, MA for three semesters I then traveled to India to study Buddhist Philosophy and Art for three weeks. I then spent 5 months in Prague, Czech Republic studying at Charles University.  After spending a couple months in Vermont where my parents reside,  I moved back to Cambridge, MA for a year to finish my undergraduate degree in Sociology. Now as I look back on the last couple years of my life it is clear that I am a country hopper. This is not to say I have not enjoyed my time state side, but this spring when I began to think of what was "next," I knew my wanderlust would hit me again.

Upon seeing an advertisement on an education jobs board online advertising " Teach in Taiwan Cultural Exchange School" I knew I HAD to apply. Months ago I started filling out applications for graduate school, but when it came to explaining my professional goals in an essay, I couldn't explain it. I truly believe I need to gain more international experience before committing to more hours spent in the library, more research completed,  thousands of dollars spent. I need to spend more time abroad to answer that essay question.

Since first traveling to Asia 4 1/2 years ago, I have had a curiosity of Eastern Asia & I have wanted to experience it for sometime. Four years ago I fell in love with India, traveled back there a second time but had a yearning to travel to more countries in Asia.

My longtime and best friend Hanna moved to Shanghai, China in September of 2014 to begin a teaching job. Hanna, has traveled a lot, she spent a semester in Mexico & a semester in France. She spent 10 months internationally becoming fluent in both Spanish & French. She is now in China teaching English to children! I admire this girl so much- she has a lot of bravery!I know I wanted to be in a smaller country then China and when Taiwan presented itself in my life, well I "grabbed life by the horns"-banged out a cover letter, and WALLAH the opportunity seemed perfect.

I interviewed at Cambridge Ellis School with Katie and our interview went very well. Katie and I got along well & our passion for children and travel seemed to mesh well. I found out a couple days letter that I had gotten the job and was thrilled. I had one day to decide, sign a contract and discuss this big move with my parents.

A supportive family/ moving and working internationally.

When you decide to move internationally, even if it is your dream it effects those whom are closest to you. Family, friends, etc. I traveled/ volunteered for 5 months in Asia and Africa (Kenya & Ghana) alone at the age of 18 before starting my undergraduate career. I blogged about my travels and volunteering.  I called my parents  (thanks for those hours Mom and Dad) by Skype and beater cell phone, friends, and utilized Facebook.

When you are living and working/ studying thousands of miles away from family/ loved ones the following five truths happen:

1.you miss family events at home (weddings, births, birthdays)

2. Communication can be against you. 
-skype calls fail....and more

3. Friendships and relationships change. 
-friendships are hard to maintain internationally
-Facebook communicating is not the same as seeing someone in person and chatting.

4. Your beliefs about life and the world change.

5. Your identity and interests change

also see:  10 Things About Abroad:  No Turning Back

I invite you follow my blog: 

Rosie's Blog

love,

rosie