陳冠維
I have a really good time with my buddy. We both share some similarity in our personalities (we were both quite reserved and introverted), as well as interests (We both like to go to the gym and play basketball). We would usually meet on a weekly basis, and we really talked a lot about the cultural differences between Taiwan and Europe. For example, education in the Europe focuses on interactions and critical thinking while here in Asia, we usually emphasis on absorbing knowledge and practice. Another example is the general belief. In the West, people are usually more individualistic, and the pressure from social conformity is a lot less common there in Europe. Here in Taiwan, my buddy gave a lot of example about weird rule or behavior that he thinks is about “The face”(面子). For instance, he thinks it’s weird that people try to reject others’ help even they’re in despair,just for the sack of “The face.” Also, he shared with me some differences between Europe living environment and Taiwan. In Europe, social
welfare really provides people with a decent life even though they're in relatively law classes. But here in Taiwan, even with some subsidy, the poor might not have the life as that in Europe.
I am really happy and grateful to have this opportunity to attend the buddy program. Besides making new friends from other countries and improving my English fluency, I really learned a lot about Taiwan culture from a foreign perspective, which has made me reflect on my old beliefs and generate new thoughts. I really appreciate the establish of the program, and I really hope that I can take part in the Buddy Program AGAIN!!!
