My Time in Taiwan

Michelle Eng

I spent two weeks teaching English to "disadvantaged kids" meaning that because they live in remote areas of Taiwan (mine specifically in the mountains) they don't have the same access to English teachers as those in the city.  We went into this teaching not knowing exactly how many kids were going to attend, their levels or what they were like. We only met the school representative on the last day of our training the Friday before the two weeks of teaching. All six of us volunteer teachers and one counselor slept in a dormitory where we shared one bathroom and slept on the floor while being eaten alive by mosquitoes and fleas. I taught the beginner class with my teaching partner and at times it was difficult because my teaching partner and I disagreed a lot on how to teach and what to teach. The kids basically knew little to no English and we had to review ABCs even though they were 7th and 8th graders. It was exhausting because everyday we had to teach from 8:20-4:40 and come up with our own lesson plans.  Not to mention, I was sick during these two weeks so I had very little energy and was coughing a lot. The counselors and teachers were very accommodating and understanding so we were able to be flexible and do things as needed. The teachers were very interested in having cultural exchange with us and learning English. So even though it was difficult I told myself that I had to keep going even though sometimes I had completely no idea what new subjects to teach the kids. It was ok, b/c no matter what things we did, they appreciated it and when I got upset that I couldn't teach, the teacher just told me that not to worry what the kids think about my teaching.

I think the way I was able to adapt is to watch and observe what other people do, like culturally different things and don't be afraid to ask questions about things you're not sure about. Also, don't get mad about little things, and know that you are not alone. I think the most important thing is to be honest, not beat yourself up too much, and don't put too much stress on yourself, even though it was stressful...somedays I decided not to go on weekend field trips because I was so exhausted. If there are any problems, don't be afraid to talk to someone about it. And somethings, like squat toilets and sleeping on the floor you just have to get used to. It wasn't till after 2 weeks that I realized I loved my kids and wanted to take them home with me. I thought, no matter how nasty the bathrooms are, how many mosquito bites I get, it's all worth it because I connected with these kids and people and made friends with them. How rich I feel now to have friends all over the world. 

Although I really enjoyed my two weeks teaching and learned a lot, the tour was sort of a let down for me. Partly it was the typhoon’s fault but also I feel there was too much packed into one week to fully enjoy it.  There was hardly any free time for us to just relax and enjoy the view, it was always, hop on the bus, hop off, go see a scenic location and return to bus and drive to the next location. I felt very rushed and the separating of the teams was hard on me at first but I was glad we were mixed up because I got to meet new people. There wasn’t as much staff support during the tour as I would have liked…who could I go to talk to if I was having personal problems?  It felt a little bit like, we’re just going to throw you out there and go on this tour, hope you can survive!!! My sentiments are a lot like some other volunteers – we wish we had more time with our kids.  Instead of the last week doing the tour, many of us expressed that we can just hang out with our kids and get to know them outside of the classroom especially this is a program that promotes international friendship.  Personally I felt the tour was sort of lame, I’m not sure what the point was, except to serve up a sampler of places in Taiwan. But to me, it’s not the places that matter, it’s the people you meet, and that’s why I was so grateful to the people at Mingtan even though I stayed at the same place for two weeks. 

Another aspect I feel really needs to be corrected is during the training week, most of the volunteers who were going to teach Junior High school felt really left out, as most of the training was biased towards those teaching elementary school.  We felt neglected, invisible, and not accommodated, so I think providing examples in the lectures that pertain to both elementary and middle schools would greatly decrease this discrepancy.  This experience has left a mark on me that no other experience ever will.  I will always remember Andy’s smiling, laughing face that always beamed with infectious energy whenever I mentioned we were going to play Black Magic, and the way the kids teased Gay just because of his name.  I will always remember Denice, who was the smallest kid in class and easily picked on because of his size and always asked me for American money and the day that Harry and Andy were laughing till their stomachs hurt because I showed them a Japanese prank show clip on youtube.  The fact that my student Amy is still trying to get in contact with me and my TA’s sister, Ginny hopes I can help her with her English makes me feel like a billion bucks made out of love.  I know I will return to Taiwan sometime in the future.  Maybe to improve Chinese, maybe to make some new friends or visit old ones.  But all I know is that there will be people waiting for me who care about me – all it is a matter of time, money and will.  I will be back.