Charles Matthews
Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia, Chinese Language Study Abroad
Introduction
Kia ora, I’m Charlie! I am from Auckland and currently study a BA/LLB majoring in Law and Economics.
I joined the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia group programme in Tainan because I was keen to take my Mandarin to the next level by placing myself in an environment that forces me to be immersed in the language whilst developing a better understanding of Taiwanese culture at the same time as I create some incredible life-long connections.
I hope the Mandarin skills I grow through this programme can help me in my future work and study in a more interconnected world.
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New year, new city
Taipei’s New Year’s fireworks are world-renowned, so it was impossible to pass up the opportunity to see them. That was the primary driver of the most intense all-nighter I have pulled. Despite the difficulties, it was an enriching experience. Our night started in the day with a 1:30 pm train from Tainan to Taipei. Given…Continue…
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Mind the gap
Tainan is a beautiful city with architecture hailing from multiple different periods. However, it has forced me to recognise and think about another aspect of civic beauty we often neglect – our footpaths. Despite the time we spend admiring the skylines above us, we take very little time to look down at our feet. Tainan’s…Continue…
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An ode to Taiwan’s 7-11s
One of the things you will notice exceptionally quickly after arriving in Taiwan is how ubiquitous 7-11 (and its cousin Family Mart) is. These stores are the pinnacle of Taiwanese convenience, and if you spend any time in Taiwan, they will quickly become as important a part of your life as they are in locals’…Continue…