Job Discussion Forums

rupert shellgame · Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Posts: 109

This happens to a lot of people that come to Taiwan, don't worry. When I first came I felt a little like I was in prison. I didn't grow up in a concrete jungle so when I found myself living in one, it was a little tough. I got to know a ton of new people here and found that some others, but not all, had a similar feeling.

So it's a challenge, fine. What do you do? Rise to it, not cuz that's the heroic thing to do, but because you have no choice. (or do you?) Remember that there are lots of things going on around you with other foreigners. Someone suggested myspace or facebook, which are an excellent start. I'm also not a big bar-goer, but I stop in every now and again to meet the newer foreigners.

Personally, I have to put more effort into social life in Taiwan than I did back home, mainly because I am so damned lazy. But it's worth it. Think about the reasons that you came here. For me, I wanted adventure, to live outside the box, and meet others doing this. Sometimes I have to go in search of this. Working at a cram school 6 days a week in a small town ensures a quiet life by default. So the ball is in my court to change that, and I don't mind. It makes me less socially lazy.

I don't know what your situation is, but I think in any case, you have to meet the problem half way.

best,
Rupert

ESL Hobo · Joined: 23 Oct 2008 Posts: 262

Hi CLRC,
Sorry I called you a "jerkwad" in a previous post, now I understand that perhaps you are just a little inexperienced at living in TW and had to vent about something.

Anyway, most people here can sympathize with how you feel because we have all been through it ourselves.

Before I moved to TW I had already experienced living in several countries and different cultures and let me tell you TW has been the most difficult to get accustomed to. At times its downright infuriating but remember this is not your country and we are the ones who are here as their guests.
Things here are seldom what they seem to be on the surface. If you have ever wanted a place to practice living in a state of "Zen" congratulations because you have arrived!

So make the best of it. Take it on as a challenge and a character building exercise for your whole being (mentally and emotionally). I hope you and momcat + her friends can meet up and relieve some of your feelings of depression.

Take care
the Hobo

citylightsruralcalm · Joined: 11 Dec 2008 Posts: 53 Location: The Ilha

I just feel that a large majority of the people I encounter (local and foreigner) seem 'fake'. I don't like that.

ESL Hobo · Joined: 23 Oct 2008 Posts: 262

I get that feeling a lot, too.
I think part of it is that Taiwanese try to copy a huge amount of western cultural archetypes, but in the end, it feels like everything is just being copied, because deep down inside they are still north-east asians.

About foreigners seeming to be fake, well, most are only here for 1 or 2 years, and perhaps like you they are a bit overwhelmed with what their positive expectations were of living in asia and the reality of the negative aspects. They may be trying to fit in to society here and not seem to be themselves.

Every culture has good points and bad points. Lots of foreigners who go to live in America, for example, are quickly confronted with all the negative points about living there and feel very much the same way you are feeling now.

I guess the best thing to do is meditate and keep things in perspective as you go along and try not to take anything personally, because in reality it's all about them and not you, or is it? hahaha, ZEN!!!

Whatever happens it's good to keep in touch with people here at the forum who have been here for a while and have been around the block a few times.

Take care,
Mr. Hobbs

forest1979 · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 507 Location: SE Asia

The majority of foreigners are not really fake in Taiwan. I would however further say that many lack social skills, and are just downright odd in some instances. They also believe themselves, and I think it's greatly ironic, to be 'great' individuals and this is explicitely evident (in their opinion) given their knowledge of Taiwan society. Moreover they place themselves upon a professional pedestal, and thus we mere mortals should aspire to be like they. In other words many consider themselves as big fish in a small pond. You see this in many of the blogs westerners have on Taiwan (NOT Michael Turton's, I add!!!) both in terms of their self-opinionated prose and their response to guest comments.

KaiXi333 · Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 30

If I were you, I'd try to take some time off and go to a Hot Springs somewhere in the mountains.

I know where you're coming from; I had to live in Wuhan (central China), which has winter weather much gloomier and nastier than Taiwan.

Learning Chinese ended up being the most satisfying thing I ever did while there.