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My First Time Experience Learning Chinese at CGU

When I first arrived at Chang Gung University (CGU), I was filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. As an Indonesian student who had never studied Chinese before, the idea of learning such a complex language felt daunting. My knowledge of Mandarin was limited to a single phrase: "Ni hao" (hello). Despite this, I was determined to learn because I knew that mastering Mandarin was the key to unlocking many opportunities, especially as I aimed to build a career in Taiwan after graduation.

Living in Taiwan, surrounded by the local culture, provided me with the perfect environment to begin this journey, albeit one filled with challenges, humorous anecdotes, and unforgettable moments.

The Beginning of My Chinese Language Journey

On the first day of class, I quickly realized how steep the learning curve would be. Everything felt foreign from the tones that differentiate meanings to the intricate written characters. Mandarin has four main tones, and one of the biggest challenges was ensuring the correct tone was used.

Writing Chinese characters was another major hurdle. Unlike the Latin alphabet I was accustomed to, Chinese characters require precise stroke orders. At first, my notes looked like a child’s scribbles. I spent hours trying to perfect a single character, and while it was frustrating, every small improvement brought me a sense of accomplishment.

Living with Taiwanese Roommates

An unexpected advantage of my time at CGU was living in a dorm with three Taiwanese roommates. Initially, I felt awkward since we spoke different languages. We mostly communicated through gestures or basic English. However, as my language skills improved, I gradually mustered the courage to converse with them in Mandarin.

They were incredibly patient, correcting my tones and teaching me slang that wasn’t covered in class. One memorable moment was when I clumsily tried to explain our dinner plans in broken Mandarin. They laughed but helped me rephrase my sentences. Over time, our conversations became more fluid. They even introduced me to Taiwanese dramas, which not only improved my listening skills but also deepened my appreciation for the local culture.

A Class Full of Indonesian Students

Interestingly, all my classmates in the Chinese language course were also from Indonesia. This created a unique and enjoyable atmosphere we shared the same cultural background and supported each other through the challenges of learning.

I’ll never forget a funny moment when we role-played ordering food in Mandarin. One of my classmates accidentally said, "Wǒ yào yí gè gǒu" (I want a dog) instead of "Wǒ yào yí gè gǔ" (I want a bowl of rice). The whole class, including the teacher, erupted in laughter. Moments like this made the learning process lighter and more enjoyable.

We often held group study sessions where we quizzed each other on vocabulary and tones. These sessions frequently turned into casual hangouts filled with laughter, making the process feel more like a shared adventure than a burden.

What Keeps Me Motivated

Despite the numerous challenges, I remain motivated to learn Mandarin. My ultimate goal is to work in Taiwan’s rapidly growing semiconductor industry after graduation. Mastering Mandarin not only helps me communicate effectively in a professional environment but also enables me to integrate better into the local community.

Every time I successfully order food, ask for directions, or have a conversation with my roommates, I feel proud of the small progress I’ve made. These moments keep me going, even when grammar feels confusing or new characters seem impossible to memorize.

Looking Ahead

As I continue my studies, I feel increasingly optimistic about the future. Mastering Mandarin not only broadens my career opportunities but also allows me to connect more deeply with the people around me, better understand Taiwanese culture, and make Taiwan feel like a second home.

Learning a new language is never easy, but the journey is incredibly rewarding. For me, it’s not just about acquiring a new skill it’s about discovering new ways of seeing the world, building meaningful relationships, and shaping a future in a place I’ve come to love.

By Fabian Thariq El Hadi
From: Indonesia
Program: Department of Mechanical Engineering
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