This is probably the most convenient time of the year for the Europeans.
It is neither too hot nor too cold, temperature oscillates on the level of 25 degrees. Recently it has not been raining, although there was already a week when it rained heavily for a couple of days in a row. But it was the time when two typhoons were going near Taiwan - unfortunately neither of them visited Taiwan (maybe it sounds suicidal, that I am waiting for typhoon, but locals tell that it is unforgettable experience:) ). So autumn and winter are nice:)
But this was not a case at the beginning. 2 months ago it was all time time around 35 degrees, enormous humidity, and it seemed impossible to stay outside during the day for more than 20 minutes. Walks to school, which take about 10 minutes, were unbearable and mostly ended with sweaty t-shirt and bad moods. That is why so many people did catch cold at the beginning - including me.
The other thing is that it is impossible to live without air conditioning. Wherever you go, there are fans blowing in your face. It is great and pleasant and all, but guarantees a cold before you get used to it. Constant temperature changes are tricky.
So, if you are coming to Taiwan - be prepared!:)
Wednesday 21 October 2009
Some things about the exchange... :)
Well, if I a to write about the impressions, let's write about exchange itself at the beginning:) this should make things easier:)
The People
There are around 50 people at exchange at college of management. Overall, there are probably more than 20 of the at the whole NTU, not including GMBA students, who are here in a number of 80 or more. But all those people can be divided into some ethnic groups basing on the country of origin:)
The Francophones
Mostly French, but there are some cases of Belgium people as well. No one knows why, but they represent the biggest number of exchange students - maybe up to 25%. It looks like they want to conquer Taiwan through silent establishment of student colony:) One way or the other, there are students fro best universities - Paris, Lyon, Toulouse... Because of them French is the second most spoken language here - after Chinese :P And it gives me a great opportunity to perfect French. It is funny how surprised they are when it occurs that I can speak their native language - but I did improve in just these 2 months:D
German group
Germans and Swiss. I do not think that there is someone from Austria. Do not now why... To my surprise, they are more open minded and more "European", without German classic attitude;) but I guess that there are only guys from these countries.. and they represent around 15% of people.
The Dutch
Quite a lot of them around here, mostly from Erasmus University. But they represent many different ethnics, like Turkey, Taiwan, Italy... Dutch can be heard around here quite often, not that there is a big difference between it and German:P
Scandinavians
Mostly Swedish and Norwegians. Mostly tall. Mostly cool:) and with a great fashion taste;)
English-speaking group
That is Americans, Brits and Aussies. Quite a bit of them, although they do not stand out of the picture. Most of them came here for intensive Chinese course - 2 hours of Chinese every day. kinda cool, but they do not have tie to travel:P
Rest of the world
hmmm, difficult to say from what countries is this "rest"... There are some people from Spain, a couple from Latin America... Some Japanese... And that's pretty much it. At the exchange, I am the only representative of my beloved country;), what makes me quite exotic:) At GMBA there is someone from Russia and Slovakia, but at the exchange I guess I am the only representative of Eastern Europe. Not that it bothers me, but it would be cool to have someone to speak Polish with from time to time...
Overall there are more guys than girls. And they are much cooler than girls. No kidding. Open minded, creative, outspoken, intelligent, eager to travel around. I did not expect that I will meet here so many people, who will become my really good friends.
There is a great chance for a Euro Trip in the future:)
The People
There are around 50 people at exchange at college of management. Overall, there are probably more than 20 of the at the whole NTU, not including GMBA students, who are here in a number of 80 or more. But all those people can be divided into some ethnic groups basing on the country of origin:)
The Francophones
Mostly French, but there are some cases of Belgium people as well. No one knows why, but they represent the biggest number of exchange students - maybe up to 25%. It looks like they want to conquer Taiwan through silent establishment of student colony:) One way or the other, there are students fro best universities - Paris, Lyon, Toulouse... Because of them French is the second most spoken language here - after Chinese :P And it gives me a great opportunity to perfect French. It is funny how surprised they are when it occurs that I can speak their native language - but I did improve in just these 2 months:D
German group
Germans and Swiss. I do not think that there is someone from Austria. Do not now why... To my surprise, they are more open minded and more "European", without German classic attitude;) but I guess that there are only guys from these countries.. and they represent around 15% of people.
The Dutch
Quite a lot of them around here, mostly from Erasmus University. But they represent many different ethnics, like Turkey, Taiwan, Italy... Dutch can be heard around here quite often, not that there is a big difference between it and German:P
Scandinavians
Mostly Swedish and Norwegians. Mostly tall. Mostly cool:) and with a great fashion taste;)
English-speaking group
That is Americans, Brits and Aussies. Quite a bit of them, although they do not stand out of the picture. Most of them came here for intensive Chinese course - 2 hours of Chinese every day. kinda cool, but they do not have tie to travel:P
Rest of the world
hmmm, difficult to say from what countries is this "rest"... There are some people from Spain, a couple from Latin America... Some Japanese... And that's pretty much it. At the exchange, I am the only representative of my beloved country;), what makes me quite exotic:) At GMBA there is someone from Russia and Slovakia, but at the exchange I guess I am the only representative of Eastern Europe. Not that it bothers me, but it would be cool to have someone to speak Polish with from time to time...
Overall there are more guys than girls. And they are much cooler than girls. No kidding. Open minded, creative, outspoken, intelligent, eager to travel around. I did not expect that I will meet here so many people, who will become my really good friends.
There is a great chance for a Euro Trip in the future:)
Peace of mind
Finally, some peace and quiet and I can write a bit on the blog...
Well, it is not that I am lazy. Or not systematic. Not even that there is no time. There is. But for the last month there was rarely time to sit down, chill, focus on my own business... It has been just a month of school, but I feel that it was already 5 months! There are always some papers to write, cases to read, presentations to be made. As it occurs, you have to work here maybe not much harder, but more often than at SGH. Professors expect you to be always prepared for the discussion, to have read the chapter and be ready for in-depth analysis. But luckily I have already made my share of cases and presentations, so I will be able to focus on other aspects of living in Taiwan... Finally.
And maybe it is time to write about some impressions after these almost two months of living here? :)
Well, it is not that I am lazy. Or not systematic. Not even that there is no time. There is. But for the last month there was rarely time to sit down, chill, focus on my own business... It has been just a month of school, but I feel that it was already 5 months! There are always some papers to write, cases to read, presentations to be made. As it occurs, you have to work here maybe not much harder, but more often than at SGH. Professors expect you to be always prepared for the discussion, to have read the chapter and be ready for in-depth analysis. But luckily I have already made my share of cases and presentations, so I will be able to focus on other aspects of living in Taiwan... Finally.
And maybe it is time to write about some impressions after these almost two months of living here? :)
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