Lily Dumas
Overall Experience
Student teaching in Taiwan was nothing like what I expected, but it was so worth it. I'd choose it time and time again. One of the biggest things I’ve noticed here is the culture of kindness. From classrooms to everyday interactions, people go out of their way to help, even when there’s a language barrier. I’ve learned quickly that connection doesn’t always rely on shared words. At the same time, there are differences in communication, expectations, and daily routines that take time to understand, especially in schools. Being here has meant paying attention, adapting, and learning in ways I didn’t expect. A lot of that learning has come from noticing the small, everyday parts of life. There’s a strong culture of generosity here. It’s common for people to offer food, drinks, or small gifts to show care, and learning how to respond to that has been part of the experience, too. I’ve also had to get more comfortable saying yes in those moments, even when I’m unsure, whether it’s trying unfamiliar food or stepping into something new. I also started to notice how culture shows up in quieter ways. Many students can be shy at first, especially when using English. It’s not a lack of ability, but more about confidence and a fear of making mistakes. Over time, as relationships build, that starts to change. Adjusting to schools here took time, especially at the junior high level. One of the biggest challenges was the language barrier. Even with some English in the classroom, there were many moments where communication wasn’t easy, whether with students or teachers. It pushed me to rely more on observation, nonverbal communication, and patience. There were also clear differences in how schools are structured. Classrooms felt more formal in some ways, and teacher offices were shared spaces where multiple teachers worked together throughout the day. My role in the classroom was different from what I was used to, and I wasn’t teaching as often as I expected. Instead, I spent a lot of time observing, assisting, and trying to understand how the system works. At the same time, being surrounded by Chinese every day meant learning more of the language, even in small ways. Simple phrases, routines, and interactions became more familiar over time. It wasn’t always easy to adjust to these differences, and there were definitely moments of uncertainty. But looking back, that’s also what made the experience valuable. I wasn’t just learning how to teach; I was learning how different systems operate, how to adapt, and how to work within a new environment. Those are things that go beyond any single classroom. This experience has also given me a deeper understanding of what it feels like to navigate learning in another language, something that will shape how I support my future ESL students and, more broadly, how I approach teaching any student.
Learning experience
The most valuable learning experience I encountered during my international student teaching placement was learning how to build meaningful relationships with students despite language and cultural barriers. Before coming to Taiwan, I knew that communication would be challenging at times, but I underestimated how much could be communicated through patience, consistency, kindness, and genuine care. This experience taught me that relationships are the foundation of effective teaching. Students are more willing to participate, take risks, and engage in learning when they feel valued and supported. It also taught me the importance of flexibility and creativity in communication. There were many moments when words alone were not enough, and I had to rely on visuals, gestures, modeling, and encouragement to help students understand and feel successful. At the end of my time student teaching in Taiwan, I received a letter from someone I had spent a lot of time with throughout my placement. In her letter, she shared how much my kindness and patience had meant to her during our conversations. She explained that my willingness to get to know her, despite the communication barriers, helped her realize how kind people can be and how important it is to step outside our comfort zones to connect with others. Reading her words was one of the most meaningful moments of my experience because it reminded me that even small interactions can have a lasting impact. Most importantly, moments like this remind me of my "why." This is why I want to teach!
Memorable experience
There are so many memorable experiences from my time in Taiwan that it is difficult to choose just one. One of the most memorable parts of the experience was sharing it with the other student teachers. Nine of us chose to complete our student teaching placement in Taiwan, and over the course of the semester, we spent countless hours exploring new parts of the country, trying new foods, navigating unfamiliar places, and making the most of every opportunity. Taking weekend trips was the most memorable experience. There is so much to see and do in Taiwan. It is a beautiful country! One weekend, we went up north and hiked one of the most breathtaking trails I've ever been on. Another weekend, one of my friends and I traveled south with one of my teachers, visited rural villages, hiked along the coast, and made some sweet friendships. I wouldn't trade these experiences for anything!
What did you not expect?
One thing that surprised me during my time in Taiwan was how quickly strangers became friends and how willing people were to help me, despite language and cultural differences. Before arriving, I expected to encounter communication barriers and moments of uncertainty, but I did not expect the overwhelming kindness and generosity I experienced from students, teachers, families, and even people I met in everyday life. Many people went out of their way to make me feel welcome, included, and supported. Whether it was helping me navigate a new place, inviting me to participate in cultural experiences, patiently communicating across language barriers, or simply checking in on how I was doing, these acts of kindness made a lasting impression on me. This had an impact and changed the way I approach my personal and professional life. In terms of my profession, something that might change the way I approach it is based on how the school system was run at my school. I was surprised by the level of responsibility students were given. Students helped clean classrooms and school spaces, took ownership of their environment, and contributed to the daily functioning of the school in ways that are less common in many American schools. Observing these differences challenged some of my assumptions about what school should look like. It reminded me that there is no single "right" way to educate students and that valuable ideas can be learned from educational systems around the world. While there are aspects of both the Taiwanese and American education systems that I appreciate, this experience encouraged me to think more critically about how classroom culture is created and maintained.
What advice would you give?
There is so much I would say, but most importantly, say yes! Go! Experience something new and enjoy your time. And when you're there, say yes more than you normally would. You might not feel comfortable right away, and that is okay. When you're abroad, you are learning more than just how to teach, and there are simply so many things you can't learn by staying where you are. Read one of my "blogs" and learn more! https://postcardsfromlil.wixsite.com/taiwan
How has this experience impacted your life?
As any international experience does, your perspective is widened, and your eyes are opened to how big the world is and how small we are. Yet, in that, there are so many ways you can make people feel noticed, valued, and welcomed. This experience deeply impacted my educational goals, as I experienced firsthand what it felt like to be in a new school and community without speaking the same language as everyone around me. That feeling mirrors the experience of many of my future students who are learning English. The teachers, students, and staff members who made an effort to help me navigate daily life, communicate, and feel included did not go unnoticed. Their kindness showed me the powerful impact that small acts of support can have and reinforced the kind of teacher I hope to be for my own students. This experience deepened my empathy for English learners and for students who need additional academic, social, or emotional support. Being placed in situations where I was unsure of cultural expectations, unable to fully express myself, or dependent on others for help reminded me how vulnerable learning can feel. It reinforced the importance of creating a classroom environment where students feel safe taking risks, making mistakes, and asking for help. On a personal level, this experience challenged me in ways I could not have anticipated. Living and teaching abroad required me to become more adaptable, independent, and confident. I learned to navigate unfamiliar situations, communicate across cultural and linguistic differences, and embrace uncertainty rather than avoid it. I also gained a greater appreciation for perspectives and ways of life that differ from my own. The relationships I built with students, teachers, and community members in Taiwan showed me that kindness doesn't need a translator. Professionally, I will continue to develop my skills and knowledge in teaching language learners, so I am well-equipped to teach my students. This experience affirmed my desire to work with diverse student populations and continue learning from cultures beyond my own. And most importantly, this experience reminded me that teaching is about much more than academics. It is about relationships, belonging, and helping students feel that they matter. Learning English for these students wasn't just another subject but a way of communication and something that will allow them to succeed in life beyond the classroom, opening up opportunities they wouldn't have without it. That lesson will stay with me throughout my career and continue to shape the educator I strive to become.
How did you learn about this experience?
I learned about this international opportunity through my classes, when professors and administrators came in to discuss the various possibilities for student teaching.
International Connections