Because CET students only take classes in the Language Center, you will undoubtedly meet other Chinese Language Division (CLD) students. While some of them are American, the student body is highly diverse.
For example, my friend group consisted of a Japanese student, a Russian student, and a student from Hong Kong. Therefore, studying through CET is a great way to get a “multicultural” experience.
However, because CET students do not take classes with the rest of the student body, it is easy to get stuck in the “CET bubble,” where most of your friends are English-speaking Americans. If you want to befriend more Taiwanese students, you will likely have to rely on your Taiwanese roommates and language partner to introduce you.
For example, I was interested in going to a Taiwanese concert, and after asking around, my language partner, Annie, suggested going with her friend, who also likes the band. I ended up going with him and his whole family. While I was nervous about only talking in Mandarin, they were very patient and spoke slowly, allowing me to converse with them easily.
Ruby Langhurst
Fall 2024
CET - Taiwan
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs Major