Theresa Adie

NAME: Theresa Adie
DESTINATION:  Green Materials and a Sustainable Environment: Taiwan Immersion
COURSE: Bachelor of Arts

Taiwan was a total mystery to me when I first stepped off the plane, the air was hot and thick and I could smell green and fried food in my first breath. The bus ride to Tamkang University from Taipei airport was long but I was glad because I could look out the window and take in this new strange place I had never been. The mountains were the first thing I noticed, so steep and lush and mysterious. This truly was an island of mountains and steep terrain. I loved the juxtaposition between the gorgeous green mountains surrounded by the build-up grey shabby buildings of Taipei.

The University was stunning and seemed quite old but well-loved like your grandma’s garden. You could feel the many experiences the young university students had lived and the great learnings they had experienced in the beautiful old buildings. The Chinese influence in the architecture was evident which added to the ancient feel of the place.

The Taiwanese students who looked after us while we were there were so accommodating and generous in both spirit and heart. They made us feel so welcome throughout the trip. The lectures at the university were challenging as the content was completely out of my comfort zone, however I have always been a believer that true learning comes from that uncomfortable place so I welcomed the challenge. The cultural trip to the rice paddy fields were so wonderful, we arrived to the most divine spread of food that these gorgeous women had prepared. We ate like kings and queens amongst the luscious green.

I loved the martial arts activity where we learned from a Tai Chi Master a challenging but fun set of moves. I felt so alive and full of life force after that I felt nothing could bring me down!

Of all the things I loved about this trip my most valued is the relationships I formed with my classmates and teachers. The human bond is an incredible thing and I thank Taiwan for reminding me of that and showing me that I prioritise my connections with people above all else.