Category: Features

Features Spring 2023 - Fall 2023 Capstone Cohort Student Reflection: Sydney Hirayama Spring 2023 - Fall 2023 Capstone Cohort Student Reflection: Sydney HirayamaSydney HirayamaDecember 13, 2023 After spending over seven months in Taiwan, I truly feel like I have gained unforgettable life experiences. Sydney Hirayama After spending over seven months in Taiwan, I truly feel like I have gained unforgettable life experiences. Over the summer, I had a long three-month break, and I had more opportunities to fully explore Taiwan. First, I went to a sunflower field in Taoyuan, which was about a three-hour journey to get there. Although it was the middle of summer and close to 100 degrees, the fields were so beautiful and the trip was definitely worth it. I also got to explore Taipei as well.…

Features Capstone Preparation Experience Reflection: Leila Worman, Fall 2023 - Spring 2024 Capstone Cohort Capstone Preparation Experience Reflection: Leila Worman, Fall 2023 - Spring 2024 Capstone CohortLeila WormanMay 21, 2023 Preparing my application materials while simultaneously taking seven classes and studying for my capstone exams was tough at times, but a solid work ethic and persistence proved incredibly helpful. Leila Worman Admittedly, my decision to start studying Chinese was a little impulsive. I knew that I needed to fulfill a language requirement, but felt it would be nice to be close to fluency by the time I graduated. I stumbled across the website for Chinese Flagship, inquired about the program, and joined shortly thereafter. Before joining, I was already pursuing another major and felt that the program would complement that…

Features Megan: Finding My Cultural Identity Through Lion Dance Megan: Finding My Cultural Identity Through Lion DanceMegan IbaraMarch 10, 2023 Chinese lion dancing has taught me about my culture and has furthered my interest in the Chinese language and culture. Megan Ibara I first started lion dancing when I was around five years old. My mother loves taking photos of me and my brother during special occasions and she wanted a nice photo of us for the New Year. Upon trying to get a nice photo of us, my parents decided that the best way to get a nice photo is to just join a lion dance group. Coincidently, a family friend came from a lion dance practice and told my parents to join the group that he is in.…

Features Capstone Preparation Experience Reflection Sydney Hirayama Spring 2023-Fall 2023 Capstone Cohort Capstone Preparation Experience Reflection Sydney Hirayama Spring 2023-Fall 2023 Capstone CohortSydney HirayamaDecember 23, 2022 Preparing for capstone was a journey. Sydney Hirayama During summer break, I worked on my application materials which included a video, essay, and resume in English and Chinese. When school started, I began to prepare for the language assessment. I took a few practice tests, and I felt ready. When it was time for the actual test, I completely bombed it. I did not manage my time well, and I just randomly answered the last 10 questions. I felt very doubtful of my score. After waiting for almost a month, I found out that I did not pass. I was extremely disappointed but more…

Features Spring 2022 - Fall 2022 Capstone Insights from Stella Jones Spring 2022 - Fall 2022 Capstone Insights from Stella JonesStella JonesNovember 22, 2022 After months and months of preparing my Capstone pre-departure tasks/necessary travel documents, I officially departed for Taiwan. Arrival/Quarantine:After months and months of preparing my Capstone pre-departure tasks/necessary travel documents, I officially departed for Taiwan on February 19th. The Spring 2022 Capstone cohort was required to layover at the San Francisco International Airport on February 20th and collectively board the exact same departing flight from San Francisco to Taiwan. Since I was the only student in my cohort flying from Hawaii and outside the continental U.S, I left one day earlier than most students and was actually the first student to arrive at the San Francisco airport.…

Features Fall 2022-Spring 2023 Capstone Cohort Student Reflection: Jinny Wang Fall 2022-Spring 2023 Capstone Cohort Student Reflection: Jinny WangJinny WangNovember 22, 2022 The workload has kept me busy most of the time, but I do feel like I’m starting to improve my Chinese little by little. Newly-starting Capstone Year students, Man Ian Woo and Jinny Wang, meeting with continuing Capstone Year students, Lauren O’Connell and Stella Jones I, Jinny, can’t believe it’s been a month since I arrived in Taiwan. In this short period of time, I have already experienced so many ups and downs. Before coming to Taiwan, I was really excited to explore the city. But after school started, I’ve come to realize that this is actually an intensive study abroad program and that I actually have to...…

Features Fall 2022-Spring 2023 Capstone Cohort Student Reflection: Man Ian Woo Fall 2022-Spring 2023 Capstone Cohort Student Reflection: Man Ian WooMan Ian WooNovember 22, 2022 It has only been a little over a month, but it has been a life-changing experience. Man Ian Woo and Jinny Wang on their Tainan cultural exploration trip on the top floor of the famous Hayashi Department Store in Tainan I am Man Ian (her). I am currently abroad in Taiwan at the National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University for my Chinese Flagship Capstone year. It has only been a little over a month, but it has been a life-changing experience. Not only have I gotten the chance to study at one of the most prestigious universities in Taiwan and to meet local Taiwanese students,…