Aron Olegnowicz, an undergraduate student studying political science and psychology, was awarded a FLAS fellowship to study advanced Chinese in Taiwan during the summer of 2023.
What did you do during your FLAS Fellowship?
I was immersed in an intensive seven-week Chinese Flagship program at National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei. I also got the chance to travel across the island through my Flagship program and independently using the vast public transportation system.
When and where did you study?
Mid-June to early August in Taipei’s thriving Da’An district. I lived in the campus hostel among other international students with access to night markets and street vendors, seconds away from my lodging.
What is your history with language learning and what interested you in studying your target language?
I am a native speaker of Spanish and learned English after moving to the US as a child. However, learning Mandarin is something I picked up during quarantine. My senior year of high school had just gotten shut down and I was looking for a new hobby to keep me challenged and happy in those hard times. When I saw one of my favorite YouTubers (a Ghanaian man) speaking in Chinese with a Kenyan in a video discussing why learning Mandarin is important, I felt inspired. Since then I learned using free resources and videos online, practicing with international students on campus whenever I get the chance.
What did immersion teach you about your target language? Are there any new insights you got that you would not have gotten in a language classroom in the United States?
Immersion was a game-changer for me because it was humbling. While I can surprise native speakers with my decent accent and wide vocabulary, I realized that I lack a unique personality when speaking Mandarin. Trying to make local friends abroad was a challenge for this reason, but one that motivated me further to continue upskilling my Chinese. This is a reality that is pays to avoid when in the bubble of language learning in formal settings outside of a globally immersive environment.
What made your FLAS Fellowship experience most memorable?
Through FLAS, I was able to travel to East Asia for the first time. The culture shocks I experienced coming from Latin America where both big and small, and the beauty I found in the differences of the Taiwanese culture was truly empowering. I also loved exploring the marginalized, non-Han cultures of Taiwan, which leads me to my next response.
Do you have a favorite moment during your FLAS Fellowship?
Although city life in Taiwan and the Chinese influence was incredible to immerse in, one of the most memorable moments from the trip was going to the indigenous town of Wulai. The differences in food, sights, tastes and sounds were incredibly pronounced and I adored the scenery as well as the people.
How did your experiences abroad impact your career goals and plans for the future?
Gaining an unparalleled understanding of how society and life functions in a nation as different as Taiwan made me realize that as I keep growing as a person and professional. International travel as a means of magnifying my global impact is a priority of mine. I strive to continue preparing myself to make the most of my time in foreign countries by strengthening my language skills and cultural awareness through immersion. Regardless of if I pursue a career in business or government, international travel is a component I will be searching for.