| Working as a teacher of English, Sandy lives with her husband in Neipu, Taiwan, where she finds the people to be generous and friendly. Sandy talks about things like their house, the low cost of eating out in Taiwan, and how she has become more accustomed to Taiwanese food and culture. |
 Sandy |
-Where were you born?
Northwest part of Missouri, USA
-In which country and city are you living now?
Neipu, Pingtung County, southern part of Taiwan
-Are you living alone or with your family?
My husband and I live here.
-How long have you been living in Taiwan?
One year in Neipu and two years prior in Kaohsiung County, Meinong
-What is your age?
40's
-When did you come up with the idea of living in Taiwan?
My husband came to Meinong several years ago with a group of friends for one week. He returned to tell me that he wanted to move to Taiwan! I was hesitant at first due to the fact that we owned a house and I had a job I loved, but the following summer vacation, I too came to Meinong and felt like we were meant to move here, and we did a year later.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
It wasn't hard, just a little frustrating at times with the paperwork.
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
No.
-How do you make your living in Taiwan? Do you have any type of income generated?
I am a full-time teacher at a college. I teach English conversation, listening and speaking, and other courses as they arise. I heard about this college from a Taiwanese friend who was a student in their weekend program.
-Do you speak Taiwanese and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
We are making attempts to learn Mandarin, but we are still at the beginner level. It's important to learn the local language so we can build relationships with people.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
I miss my family in Missouri very much, especially this year since we were unable to go home this summer. During our first trip home after being here 9 months, we went home with a list of things we wanted to bring back with us and a list of foods we missed from particular restaurants. During our second trip home, we didn't have nearly as many items that we missed. The longer we stay the more accustomed to the food and shopping we become. I now order red bean desserts intentionally! I can buy clothes at Carrefour!
Our favorite recreational activities are climbing mountains, riding bicycles, drinking oolong tea with friends, going out to restaurants, seeing scenic places, and spending time with Taiwanese people.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
We are Christians, and we hope to be able to share our faith and hope in Jesus with many of our neighbors and friends.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
We are renting a four-story four-bedroom, 2 ½-bath townhouse for US$250 per month. We have four balconies and one long room on the first floor. All the floors are marble tiles.
-What is the cost of living in Taiwan?
The food and the utilities are very inexpensive. Most lunches are US$1.50-2.00. An "expensive" lunch here at a nice restaurant is US$6 each, unless you go to TGIF's or Chili's where it's US$20 a person.
-What do you think about the Taiwanese?
The local people are curious about Americans and treat us well. Taiwanese people are generous, almost to a fault. They are friendly and want to help however they can. College students are energetic and sweet and respectful to teachers.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Taiwan?
The positives include: cost of living, generosity of the local people, beautiful scenery such as Kenting beach and attractions such as the Taipei 101.
The negative: crazy traffic with scooters everywhere with cars and scooters alike disregarding traffic rules.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Taiwan?
If someone has no desire to learn another language, then I think he/she could live in Taipei with little problems. If they want to experience small town life (50,000 pop.) then the southern part of Taiwan, could be right for them. We have enjoyed being in small towns. There are fewer foreigners here.
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Taiwan?
My personal blog is http://sandyintaiwan.blogspot.com. I post pictures and discuss the happenings of the week, whether it's some funny English I've discovered or whatever I'm talking with friends about that day.
Other Taiwan blogs I enjoy are: http://amanda47.blogs.com and http://pagels.teamexpansion.org/sqjtaipei
