Hirodai Ambassador Activity Report
Ms. Maika Ito, 2nd year student, Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine
[Destination] National Taipei University of Education (Taiwan)
[Study abroad period] August 2023 to January 2.
[Type of study abroad] Long-term study abroad at a partner university
I am currently studying abroad at Taipei University of Education in Taiwan for one year.
This month marks 7 months since my trip. The second Chinese class ended in the latter half of last month, and Chinese classes have resumed this month. University classes start next week.
This time, I will write about the final Chinese exam, the re-starting of Chinese classes, my choice of university classes for next semester, and my daily life.
There are two main types of final examinations for Chinese language classes. The first is an oral exam. This is a test to measure your speaking ability and is conducted one-on-one with your teacher. There are times when you answer questions, ask questions using prepared grammar, and answer your own thoughts. It's like the second stage of the Eiken test. At first, I was very nervous and did all I could to answer the questions, but now I've gotten used to speaking a little and was able to relax this semester.
Group photo taken after the final exam
The second is a written test. The written test took about 2 hours. This time, there is an essay, and you are now required to not only answer questions, use vocabulary, and use grammar, but also write long sentences. The other day, the topic was ``Please describe a special holiday in your country.'' It was very difficult to write using the vocabulary and grammar that I had learned.
The photo above was taken by all students after the final exam. I felt sad at the end because the Indonesian boy in our class was going back to Japan this semester.
Later, he took me to an Indonesian restaurant. He loves Japan and often talks to me about anime and Japanese food, and he helped me in many ways even though I had just arrived and didn't know much about anything, so I am very grateful to him. I didn't know anything about Indonesia before he came to Taiwan, but I'm really glad I was able to learn so many things from him.
And Chinese classes have started again from the beginning of this month. Until last semester, I had been using a textbook called Historical Chinese 2, but this semester I started using the third one. The teacher is the same as before, and most of the classmates are the same, but there are new Australian international students. Although it has only just started, we now have more time for discussion as a whole. My teacher taught me that it is important to respect the other person's opinion even if your opinion differs from the other person's opinion.
He takes the time to listen to everyone's opinions, so even though I'm not good at debates, I think I was able to clearly express my opinion. This is a great opportunity to expand your values. Textbooks also have longer sentences and more difficult words. It's a little difficult, but I want to continue to work together with my classmates and do our best! Classes are so much fun! !
Additionally, I will be taking nursing classes at Taipei Medical University starting next semester. I hope I can learn and absorb a lot of things as a nursing major.
Lastly, I would like to write a little about my current life. The weather in Taiwan has been a bit strange lately, with it raining suddenly and suddenly stopping. Although it feels sticky and humid, I think one of the great things about Taiwan is that you can see the beautiful sky!
Also, since the new semester starts in September, my roommates have changed, and I currently live with two Japanese, two Korean, and one Taiwanese. Everyone is very kind and we enjoy spending time together, going out to eat and playing together. !
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- Roommate and 1
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- Roommate and 2
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- Xiaolongbao eaten with my roommate
Also, I only have a few months left until I return to Japan, but I want to enjoy and do my best to make the most of my remaining time abroad.