“Going abroad gave me the chance to truly live the language I had studied for years. Immersing myself in a new culture allowed me to see both the similarities and differences between Taiwan and my own background, deepening my appreciation for both. This experience was a pivotal step in my journey to becoming a global citizen and developing the cultural competence I will need for a future in medicine,” reflected biomedical sciences major Logan Bien, who participated in the American Councils Taiwan Intensive Summer language program this summer.
Bien attended Shih Chien University in Taipei, Taiwan for eight weeks, taking part in an intensive Mandarin-language immersion program that combined daily classroom instruction with conversation partners and cultural activities.
“The friendliness, hospitality and curiosity of the Taiwanese people made my experience unforgettable. Whether it was a conversation partner or even a 7/11 clerk, everyone was eager not only to hear me speak Chinese but also to support me in my journey—inviting me to dinner, playing basketball at the park or exploring the city together. These moments outside the classroom transformed my language learning into a deeply personal and meaningful experience.”
Outside of the classroom, Bien made time to explore Taiwanese culture with visits to the Red House, the Raohe Night Market, the underground Taipei City Mall and more during his time abroad.
“I learned just how resilient and adaptable I can be—navigating life 12 hours behind, in a foreign city, on my own. I gained confidence not only in my independence but also in my ability to embrace challenges and step outside my comfort zone. While I sometimes felt shy when speaking Chinese, the encouragement of the Taiwanese people helped me embrace that initial awkwardness, which often led to my favorite memories. Most importantly, I discovered how much I value building meaningful cultural connections,” said Bien.
Now back in Columbus, Bien hopes to take the lessons he learned in Taiwan and apply them to his studies and his future career in medicine.
“I plan to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician. Hospitals and clinics serve patients from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and life experiences, and my study abroad experience has prepared me to meet that reality. I am better equipped to adapt to cultural differences, reflect on my own perspectives, and build cross-cultural connections. This awareness will strengthen my ability to provide empathetic, patient-centered care throughout my career.”