This trip was an amazing experience and it truly was an experience of a lifetime for me. I almost didn’t go because I worried that I was too old and I also didn’t really know anyone else that well. That would have been a huge mistake. I can’t imagine having a better group of people to go with on this adventure. Everyone got along so well and we had a great time together. Dr. Peng’s Taiwanese background was an added bonus. Not only was he able to translate the language for us but he was was able to give us firsthand knowledge of the culture and explain similarities and differences in a way that only someone who lived in both Taiwan and the US could. I can’t say enough about what an amazing country Taiwan is. It should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list of places to see. It has natural beauty, rich culture, and its people are kind and respectful (and they seem to really like Americans). The universities were great hosts and it has made me consider hosting a foreign exchange student. In visiting the various businesses I learned how global our business world really is. We all have the same basic goals although our methods and strategy differ slightly.
A little advice for anyone considering this trip in the future:
· Go for it! No matter what your circumstances are, just make it work. You will not regret it.
· Start your blog before you leave home! It will make your life so much easier, trust me.
· Research your destinations. Everything has more significance if you have some knowledge of it.
· You can’t take too many pictures.
· Take large enough luggage so that you have room to take all your treasures home.
I am grateful to U of M for offering and supporting this wonderful program and most importantly to Dr. Peng for his great leadership, guidance, and for not losing any of us! Thank you Dr. Peng for all of your hard work, dedication, non-stop translating, and above all your patience and humor. Finally, I am the most grateful to my family for allowing me this amazing opportunity. Thank you for your love and support.
