Originally from sunny Australia, "Ozy" is presently studying Mandarin in Taipei, Taiwan. He likes living in this bustling city, where popular culture options are varied and accessible, and where the locals are very friendly and supportive.	Ozy

August 25 2006 

-Where were you born?
Sydney, Australia - possibly the most wonderful city in the world.

-In which country and city are you living now?
In Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. Yes, it's part of the Republic of China. Taiwan passes all tests to be a sovereign state bar one...most of the world don't recognise it as one - so it ain't.

-Are you living alone or with your family?
I live in a rooftop apartment, all by my lonesome peaceful self.

-How long have you been living in Taiwan?
I have only done six months in Taiwan.

-What is your age?
I am a healthy 32, and trying to stay that way. Any tips?

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Taiwan?
For years now I'd been yearning to study Mandarin. After a brief reconnaissance trip to the China mainland, I soon decided that I'd be better off studying in Taiwan. There were many factors but the main argument is that although the mainland is cheaper, Taiwan's universities are better organised with smaller classes.

Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
Not a pinch compared to Japan. I started on a tourist visa, extended that then applied for a resident visa. It went smoothly.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
Once you get your resident visa and alien resident card, you can apply for the national health insurance program. I haven't done that just yet (case for student).

-How do you make your living in Taiwan? Do you have any type of income generated?
Well, I am on a student-type resident visa... so I'm not permitted to work here at all. But buxibans (cram schools) abound, and you can't help but bump into jobs. If you're a native English speaker, the money is on the street, you just need to bend over and pick it up.

-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
After a few years of traveling, it's become self-evident that there are two ways to learn about a new country. The first is without local language ability. You can hear the stories, look at the pictures and taste the foods. The second is with local language ability. You can write the stories, be in the pictures and cook the food!

I base my travels around studying language now. I speak Japanese and am studying Chinese. It's a long slog, but definitely pays dividends. As I learn to listen to and read Chinese, the blur around me starts to clear, it's warming.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Well, there is only but one thing that I truly miss. That is open, clean public space. The privilege of lying back in the grass, under the sun with the city buzzing around me - it is congested here. Oh yeah, of course, I miss my surf and sand too.

-Do you have other plans for the future?
I'm looking forward to working in Beijing or Shanghai in the coming years. I feel I have much to contribute.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
My first room here was in a two-bedroom apartment, sharing with a Taiwanese man. I paid only 5000 Taiwan dollars a month - cheap! Now I pay three times that but it comes with perks...it's new and has a view of botanical gardens. In Taiwan, the standards are not as high as in the West, but you can find what you want if you take the time to search.

-What is the cost of living in Taiwan?
How long is a piece of string. The wealth gap is increasing here... so well I can eat noodles for 40 Taiwan dollars (US$1.50) or the other night I had amazing Italian for 500 Taiwan dollars.

-What do you think about the Taiwanese people?
The locals are relentlessly friendly toward me. I've received hospitality and kindness from everyone that I've met (except one taxi driver who tried to take me for a ride). I'm most impressed with their attitude to helping me with learning Mandarin. Everyone is a teacher!

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Taiwan?
Speaking for Taipei (the capital city) - work is easy to find and pays extremely well compared to salaries for the locals; the people are friendly and open-minded; there are heaps of variety of food, good nightclubs.

On the neg side, hmm…air is not so clean; it's busy busy busy and noisy everywhere.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Taiwan?
People keep telling me that living outside Taipei is even cheaper. Also, they speak four main languages here: Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka and English. If you're coming to study Mandarin... you best bet is Taipei, it's more widely spoken.

Personally I think you are a nuthead if you ride a motor scooter. (Just because everyone else does?)

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Taiwan?
tealit.com has been most useful. You can even line up a room and friends before you come!