Going for a student exchange, staying in another country and experiencing the culture for a few months seem like a must-do for many university students.
But is it really worth it? Here’s my overseas student exchange experience with my university!
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The Exchange Question: Could I Really Leave Home?
Should I go for an exchange?
The question popped into my mind when my friend asked if I wanted to go to Taiwan for a student university exchange. I honestly didn’t think I would say yes.
Growing up, I dreaded overnight camps as a Girl Guides and Brownie. I still remember the sticky sensation on my skin after pitching tents in humid weather. The bathrooms were far from clean, and I dreaded using them. Even during school trips where we stayed in hotels, I missed the comfort of home and, of course, home-cooked food.
Still, I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Going for an exchange overseas is the goal of many university students. I had been to Taiwan many years ago and still cherish fond memories of the amazing food, beautiful scenery, pleasant weather, and super friendly people.
The idea of living there for four months was quite exciting—it felt like I would be going on a long holiday!
I imagined myself indulging in lǔ ròu fàn (braised pork over rice), grilled squid, and all the street food while experiencing a totally different classroom vibe (cue flashbacks to scenes from the movie, “You Are The Apple of My Eye”).
But this wasn’t an easy decision. I have always leaned on my family for emotional support, and I’m the kind of person who loves staying home. Was I truly ready to take this big step and move so far from home?
Submitting the Student Exchange Application
In my home university – Singapore Management University (SMU), the program is known as “International Student Exchange Programme (ISEP)”, and we had to submit our applications with a maximum of 12 desired universities within SMU’s partner network.
As the application deadline drew closer, I had to make a quick decision. Would it be Taiwan or nothing?
Thinking about Taiwan, I pictured the vibrant night markets packed with endless scrumptious food and stunning cities like Jiufen. But then, the thought of living with strangers and managing finances crept in.
On the other hand, staying in Singapore felt…stable, but boring. The idea of missing out on such an adventure didn’t sit well with me.
As I sat down to draft my 12 choices, I still couldn’t believe that I was actually doing it. Even when I submitted my application, it hadn’t fully sunk in.
But then it hit me—I was going to take this leap of faith!
It was almost unbelievable how I went from being so sure I wouldn’t go on exchange to eagerly awaiting the results.
Even as I said goodbye to my parents and friends at the airport, everything felt surreal. The reality that I was about to live in Taiwan for four months still hadn’t fully sunk in.
I was excited about what lay ahead but also nervous. Independence wasn’t exactly my strongest trait, and the next four months felt like a huge unknown.
The result was released… National Taiwan University would be my next destination.
The Difficulty in Finding Accommodations
Arriving in Taiwan was an exciting milestone, but settling into a new environment came with its own set of challenges. The first hurdle? Finding a place to stay.
National Taiwan University’s dormitories weren’t guaranteed for exchange students – it was all based on a ballot. I remember receiving the unfortunate email stating that I didn’t obtain a spot while I was on a bus.
Did I expect it? Kind of.
Did I have a backup plan? Not really.
Was I gonna be homeless? Honestly, it was looking like a real possibility.
It was already mid-December, and I was set to arrive in Taipei by mid-February. As a Singaporean, I felt pretty insecure about the whole situation.
I scoured Reddit, Facebook, and even the Taiwanese property website 591 to find somewhere to stay. It was a relief to find two other housemates to stay with, but of course, we hit another roadblock: many landlords and agents told us it was too early to start looking for housing. They recommended waiting until late January or February.
Living on the edge of a cliff for months definitely wasn’t on my to-do list for the exchange, but we were anxious to secure something. Without a Taiwanese mobile number, most landlords rejected us or ghosted us once they realised that we were exchange students.
It was a stressful time, and as we learned more about rental prices and the lack of elevators in many of the affordable buildings, we had to lower our expectations.
Just when we thought we had found a place, the landlord ghosted us again, and we were back to square one.
Thankfully, we eventually found a place with three rooms on the 591 rental app. The agent was incredibly helpful and even agreed to a house tour via Zoom, as he had experience renting to foreigners.
The rent was SGD700 per month, which was reasonable given we were only five minutes away from the MRT, a supermarket downstairs, convenience stores, and eateries nearby.
At first, I wasn’t sure how I would handle climbing four flights of stairs every day, but we eventually saw it as a great exercise. The only real challenge was lugging all our heavy luggage up and down those stairs – I had to drag my 24kg suitcase up the stairs by myself, but was super proud after managing it albeit leaving me with bruised knees.
I finally had my own room in Taipei, and my housemates kindly gave me the master bedroom (it was huge!). We got along really well, hanging out while doing laundry and chatting about travel plans and funny matters.
Although we had a kitchen, we only cooked three times. In Taiwan, takeaway food was so cheap and convenient that cooking just didn’t seem worth it. I thought I would miss home-cooked meals, but honestly, the food in Taiwan was amazing!
Some Cultural Differences Between Singapore and Taiwan
I also had to get used to some cultural differences. The first difference is the use of different words. Taiwanese people often say “不好意思 (bu hao yi si)” when they apologise or squeeze through crowded spaces. It’s kind of a mix of “sorry” and “excuse me”.
They also use “内用 (nei yong)” (for dining in) and “外带 (wai dai)” (for takeaway), while Singaporeans usually say “这里吃 (zhe li chi)” and “打包” (da bao).
One thing I really loved about Taiwan was how clean the public restrooms were, even in small eateries and convenience stores. They may even be cleaner than the ones in Singapore!
I was also surprised to find out that many Taiwanese didn’t know that Singaporeans are bilingual. They assumed we only spoke English, and some were pretty shocked when we spoke to them in Chinese. One lady on the bus even started a conversation with me about Lee Kuan Yew and Lawrence Wong!
We had some funny encounters as well. In Taiwan’s Jiufen, a shop owner selling cranberry juice did his best to introduce his products in English, not realising that we can speak Chinese. When I finally responded in Chinese, he was shocked and laughed, saying it would have been much easier if he had known we understood!
Another time, at a yakiniku grill restaurant, I accidentally turned off the stove of the lady next to me. She called over a server for help, thinking I didn’t understand Chinese, but when I apologised in Chinese, she sheepishly replied “不好意思”.
Returning to Taiwan after nine years felt like a warm homecoming. The people are still just as kind, the food just as tasty and affordable, and the scenery just as breathtaking.
My ultimate dream now is to earn enough to visit Taiwan every year for a vacation!
First Time Experiencing an Earthquake in Taiwan
Just when I thought everything was going well, a completely unexpected earthquake surfaced in Taipei.
While Taiwan had experienced earthquakes before, Taipei wasn’t usually a high-risk area. But on 3 April, around 8am, I was jolted awake by the whole room shaking.
Still groggy and confused, I opened my eyes and wondered if I was dreaming or what was happening. The bed was literally shaking, and I could see the wardrobe shaking too from my blurred vision.
My housemate shouted “EARTHQUAKE,” and that was when I realized the magnitude of the situation. We quickly huddled in a room, trying to make sense of what to do.
Online news reported that there had been a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Hualien, with Taipei experiencing tremors of over 5 magnitude. It was the largest earthquake in 20 years!
We were horrified because we had planned to go to Hualien the next day for the long weekend. We had already booked our bus tickets, accommodations, and trains, and even discussed skipping class to leave a day earlier.
That was a close call.
I still went to class that day but was constantly on edge. Some of my classmates didn’t turn up, and my very kind teacher approved the absences. She also tried to calm us down, considering most of us were international students who had never experienced an earthquake before.
I met my Singaporean friends for lunch, and we discussed what we should do the next time something like this happens. My apartment was connected by a small bridge, and it was scary to think about the possibility of the bridge collapsing and us being stuck in the house.
After that day, there were numerous aftershocks throughout the day and night. Sometimes, they occurred while I was sleeping, and I would wake up scared.
I kept an alarm beside me, but thoughts still crept in, “what if I got crushed by the ceiling? What if the floor below me sank? What if the earthquake struck while I was in the shower?”
I thought about the people in Hualien. Their aftershocks were much more serious than those in Taipei. I wondered how they must have felt and how they managed to go on with their lives.
The whole experience made me reflect on how fortunate we are in Singapore, where we’re largely free from such natural disasters.
Embracing Independence and Cherishing Connections
Living abroad taught me a lot about independence. Surprisingly, I realized how much I actually love my “me” time.
Having my own room gave me a sense of freedom – I could be messy, stay up late, and just do my thing. But being on my own also meant having to do things like household chores.
I never understood why my mom enjoyed cleaning so much until I tried it myself. It was strangely therapeutic to scrub everything and see it shine!
Back in Singapore, my family was always there to help me with problems – whether it was fixing things or offering emotional support. In Taiwan, though, I had to learn to solve problems on my own.
I was a bit shy to ask for help at first. I had to learn to get creative when things went wrong, like the time when my entire curtain fell down. I was forced to wake up to the sunrise at 6am every day until the landlord fixed it. In the meantime, I used 3M hooks to try and hang it up. It didn’t work perfectly, but oh well, not too bad for a first try!
Even though I enjoyed my alone time, I also really appreciated my housemates and schoolmates. They were always there for me, whether we were hanging out for meals or going on trips.
My housemates made me feel so at home, and any awkwardness I initially felt quickly faded away.
Being in Taiwan also pushed me out of my comfort zone. A Taiwanese classmate invited me to dinner, and I was nervous about speaking only in Chinese. But it turned out to be such a great experience! She introduced me to Taiwanese food and culture, and I appreciated the chance to connect with her.
One of the best parts of my time in Taiwan was hanging out with friends. We shared so many ups and downs and had a blast exploring the country.
I’ll never forget one night when we got lost on our way to a suspension bridge in Taoyuan. Google Maps led us to a risky route up a dark, winding road, but we decided to be a little daring and follow it.
When we finally arrived, the bridge was illuminated with blue lights and was completely empty. It was so beautiful and serene – a moment that made me feel incredibly lucky to be in Taiwan.
Looking back, I realise that while being independent can be tough sometimes, it also brings tremendous benefits – how you grow as a person and the special moments that you create along the way.
A Foodie’s Paradise: My Culinary Adventures in Taiwan
The main reason I chose Taiwan for exchange was simple – affordable food (and night markets!). Beyond the classic lǔ ròu fàn and grilled squid, Taiwan surprised me with gems like sesame oil chicken soup and crispy, fragrant egg pancakes.
Our mission was to conquer every night market in Taipei! Being foodies, we sampled everything from thick slabs of sashimi, juicy grilled steak cubes, cheesy sweet corn, to even shark meat (not recommended, haha).
I don’t usually eat supper, but in Taiwan, missing out just wasn’t an option. My pants didn’t agree with me by the end of the trip, but my appetite was fully satisfied!
My biggest food discovery? Stir-fried shacha noodles with mutton!
Mutton is hard to find in Singapore, especially in Chinese restaurants and hawker centres, so this dish was a treat. I even tried to replicate it at home with Taiwanese shacha sauce, but it just wasn’t the same without a big fire!
I couldn’t believe how easy it was to find polo buns, which I had struggled to find in Hong Kong. The ones at Shida Night Market were freshly baked, crispy outside, buttery inside, and impossible to resist.
My Favourite Night Market
Linjiang Night Market is my go-to, and it was just a 10-minute walk from my house.
The cumin-seasoned mutton skewers, charcoal-grilled to perfection, were unforgettable. Seafood was incredibly affordable too!
Grilled squid was a staple at night markets and I remember feeling a pang of sadness when I returned to Singapore, where seafood was pricey.
What I loved most about Taiwan’s night markets was stumbling upon something new every time. Lime juice-drenched squid, cheesy crab sticks, roast duck egg prata—you name it, I tried it.
Memorable Meals in Taipei, Taiwan
One of the most memorable meals I had was seafood ee mian. It was so good that we braved a heavy downpour to find the shop tucked away in a hidden alley.
The flavourful broth was packed with prawns, clams, squid, pork slices, and cabbage, all for just SGD 4! It was so good we went back for our final meal before leaving Taiwan.
Pasta places in Taiwan were also interesting. Each had 20+ options, and for just 40 cents, you could top up for soup and the most amazing butter bun—soft, warm, with creamy custard oozing out of the buttery pastry. Every pasta dish felt fancy, yet never too heavy on the palate.
Sushi in Taiwan was another highlight. The fish slices were thick and fresh, unlike the thinner ones I was used to in Singapore.
Just two weeks before heading home, I found a hidden food street behind my house and tried a coconut chicken noodle soup. It tasted like laksa without the spice—rich, silky, and loaded with tender chicken. I had never tasted anything quite like it.
Another favourite was braised pork rice. The pork was so soft and tender it melted in my mouth, though I always wished for extra sauce! Interestingly, plain white rice was rarely served; braised pork rice was the standard.
On a rainy day, I also tried mutton bak kut teh, made by a vendor who had visited Singapore who decided to put a Taiwanese twist on the dish. It was hearty, filled with veggies, and paired perfectly with a side of braised pork rice and a sunny-side-up egg.
There’s so much more I could rave about—hidden gems not on Google Maps, friendly vendors who made the food even better—but in short, Taiwan is a foodie’s dream.
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My Student Exchange Experience at National Taipei University
As an introvert, I was nervous about meeting new people. At National Taipei University, I took three modules, one of which I attended alone.
To my surprise, I made a new friend in that class, Lulu. She invited me out to dinner twice, and although our conversations were entirely in Mandarin (which was quite the challenge for me), we ended up laughing over hilarious misunderstandings—like the time I confused the word for “greenhouse” (温室) with “sauna.”
Lulu was also curious about Singapore’s political system, and I found myself fumbling through an explanation in Chinese, only to realize I didn’t fully understand how our Prime Minister is appointed (oops!).
One of the most memorable aspects of the class was having two outdoor yoga sessions in the chilly weather—definitely something you would never find in sunny Singapore.
On the last day, the professor hugged me and wished me the best. It was such a touching moment, and I couldn’t believe how quickly the four months had flown by.
To Lulu: thank you for being my first Taiwanese friend and for sharing so many hidden treasures with me. I hope to see you in Singapore someday!
One of the modules I took was Economic Policy Analysis. Unfortunately, it didn’t meet my expectations—the content was superficial, and we didn’t even have to attend classes when it involved math; the professor would just upload videos online.
The professor even offered the option of splitting the final grade between a report and an exam or going for a 100% report.
Overall, the coursework at National Taipei University was much lighter compared to Singapore. The grading was more lenient, and it was a refreshing break from the intense academic environment back home, where scoring an A often feels like climbing a mountain.
Despite the lighter workload, I gained valuable cultural connections and friendships that made my exchange experience truly unforgettable.
Learning Life Skills and Growing as a Person Throughout This Exchange
Looking back, this exchange was honestly one of the best decisions of my life.
It gave me the chance to experience so many new things and served as a much-needed breather before diving into adulthood. The summer mosquitoes were definitely a nuisance, but Taiwan’s humidity was way more bearable than Singapore’s!
On a personal level, this exchange helped me become more independent and adaptable. I’ve never been a fan of homestays, but I decided to try one alone in Taichung, followed by another with my housemates in Tainan.
Both experiences ended up being surprisingly comfortable, with welcoming hosts and cosy common areas. Going on solo trips also pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me gain more confidence in unfamiliar situations.
We also had fun visiting E-Da Theme Park in Kaohsiung and Leofoo Village Theme Park in Hsinchu, where I conquered my fear of roller coasters and rode my first upside-down one (thanks to my housemates for encouraging me, even if I kept my eyes shut the whole time!).
Even after returning to Singapore, I found myself saying “不好意思 (buhaoyisi)” out of habit, a reminder of how kind and welcoming Taiwanese culture is.
Adjusting back to Singapore’s new 9% GST and the overall cost of living was tough, especially after enjoying Taiwan’s affordable and delicious food.
The rich history I discovered during my exchange, like learning about the Beitou hot springs from elderly volunteers, got me thinking—maybe I’ll become a museum volunteer myself one day!
This exchange has also made me more open to the idea of working or interning overseas.
Living in another country gave me a taste of international life, and it’s something I would definitely be keen to pursue in the future.
My Advice for University Students Thinking of Going for An Exchange
If you’re thinking about studying abroad – go for it!
It’s an unforgettable, entirely new experience that will push you to step out of your comfort zone, even if, like me, you’re initially nervous.
In Singapore, we’re so fortunate to have everything taken care of – from reliable public services to transport right at our doorstep.
But being abroad taught me just how much we rely on a “nanny state.” While Singapore’s system has its perks, navigating the challenges of being in an unfamiliar place on your own is truly empowering.
It’s a life lesson that prepares you for whatever lies ahead, whether in your career or your travels.
As I reflect on this journey, it’s hard to believe it’s been five months since I returned from Taiwan. We made a detour to Korea before flying back to Taipei, where I indulged in my last bubble tea with extra toppings, my favourite hot dog, tea egg at 7-Eleven, and a hearty mutton soup before boarding the plane.
It was a bittersweet goodbye, but I know Taiwan will always hold a special place in my heart.
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About the Author
My dream is to afford everything in Meidi-Ya Supermarket and purchase all the Disney puzzles in the world!
