Day 1: Introduction to National Chengchi University

And so the day I had anticipated for two months straight is finally here and I am in my dorm sitting on my chair biting my nails nervously because I still find myself lost in this giant university (giant by my standards at least since I go to a small private school in San Antonio). As I entered the university with my heart pounding loudly that I could not contain feet shaking, I could not help but think to myself that I will get lost 5 times before I actually figure my way around the university. Nevertheless, I think I will adjust well given the fact that I can adapt to just about any setting I find myself in. I am motivated by challenge and acheivement and having these two facets in mind keeps me going and motivates me to believe, achieve, and succeed. Knowing how well I adjust to places, I have no doubt I will succeed here and even though success seems like an uphill battle, it is truly worth fighting for. Given that study abroad is a challenge psychologically because there is simply so much to learn in such a small amount of time, I am glad I chose to study abroad and in a university worth the accolades that Taiwanese people give to it.

I went to the welcome back party hosted by CIEE staff and ambassadors. The energy that everyone gave off at that party is truly overwhelming and every single one of us enjoyed ourselves as we played trivia, sang karaoke, and competed in the calligraphy contest. I am sure I met some interesting people and hope to make solid friendships here in Taiwan. Both Taiwanese locals and CIEE students seem open and friendly so I imagine I will have made some interesting friends by the time I leave Taiwan. There seems to be a lot to look forward to and alot left to be explored.

Oh before I end this blog post... I would like to show you my dorm room!

So...I may have taken pictures of some of the strangest things but as you can see...my dorm looks a lot like a dorm in the typical state university in America. Considering these are brand new dorms, I am quite happy that CIEE staff negotiated this deal for us! I am really really thankful for this and I will do my best to take care of the dorms I have been blessed with. To end this on a lovely note, THANK YOU CIEE STAFF!! I LOVE YOU FOR THIS! Ok...maybe that was a bit over the top but I love them for organizing this trip that will change my life!

Do you have a study abroad story?