Meeting People

Hello everyone! New to the forum, don’t mind me…=)

So I’m studying abroad in Taiwan (finally!) in fall 2013. I know, awhile from now, but I’m so excited that it’s all I can think about! And I want to make some friends before I go. I tried the Forumosa Friends page but it seems to be dominated by decades older Japanese men, so…not what I’m looking for.

I will be studying at Shi-Da University in 2013, to give you an idea of where exactly I’ll be. I would love to make some friends, male or female. I don’t care what race you are or if you’re just studying in Taiwan or were born and raised there; if you are gonna be in Taipei at that time, and want to make some friends (I’m a pretty good friend, and I speak decent Mandarin), please chat with me! I’ll give an introduction to myself:

My name is Taylor (in my Chinese classes, they call me 邓泰安). I will be 23 when I study abroad. I am a Physical Therapy major and Chinese minor, hoping to learn some Eastern medicine at some point, maybe in an apprenticeship in Mainland. When I first became acquainted with Chinese culture, it was through my best friend, who moved to America from Sichuan in 3rd grade. I never had many friends before her, but she and I clicked. Even as a little kid, I grew up with very Eastern ideas of religion, despite my parents being Atheist, and ever since the first time she took me to temple, I decided I loved Chinese culture.

Of course, some of my first forays into “experiencing Chinese cultures” was through dramas. The first drama I ever watched was Hana Kimi (Taiwan version); I’m sure many of you have seen it. And since then, I can still say I love the guy from that drama (Jiro Wang) and the idol group he is in (Fei Lun Hai). I don’t know what it is. I keep thinking I’ll outgrow them, but I really love them so much; they make me so happy. So maybe we can bond over that?!

I am a nerd. I don’t do clubs or bars, really. Bars are okay sometimes, but it’s not really my scene. I study a lot, I’m a hard worker, and I like to do outdoor activities when I think of fun things (probably because I get tired at 10pm and couldn’t go out even if I wanted to!). I love athletic activities, and I am a part time group fitness instructor. I can also geek out over dramas and music and just about anything.

I don’t really know what else to mention. I would just really like to make some friends, so if you’re interested, let’s get to know each other!

Thank you,
Taylor

You sound like you will have a blast in TAiwan with your positive and enthusiastic attitude. Wishing you the best on the rock !

Let’s hope you get with a great group of buds out there too. Taiwan is a lot more fun with close friends to hang with.

Welcome!
If you live near campus, then you should have no problem meeting people your age since most are students going to NTNU or NTU. Plenty of cafes or college hangout spots are around there.
Just do not expect all the Taiwanese guys to look like Jiro Wang or Fei Lun Hai, and you won’t be disappointed.
In fact, other Western girls tell me that Taiwanese guys as a whole are less attractive than Korean or Japanese guys.
So interpret that however you want.