Last day of Chinese Class

NAME: Tobey Fung

MAJOR: Business Admin/Business Analytics

PROGRAM: CSU IP – Taiwan: National Taiwan University – Calendar year 2024 – 2025 

EMAIL: tobey.fung@sjsu.edu

BIO: I chose to study abroad in Taiwan because I wanted to reconnect with my roots and see what everyday life there was really like. I’m also open to the idea of building a career in Taiwan someday. The experience wasn’t always easy, but it gave me a closer connection to the culture and a better understanding of myself.

GOALS: What were your goals for studying abroad?

I studied abroad to reconnect with my cultural roots and experience daily life in Taiwan beyond just visiting. I also wanted to challenge myself by improving my Chinese and stepping outside my comfort zone. Looking back, the experience gave me new perspectives, a stronger connection to the culture, and more confidence in myself.

 PERSONAL GROWTH: What was the biggest impact that your study abroad experience had on you?

The biggest impact my study abroad experience had on me was getting more comfortable with not always having the answers. Living in a new country and speaking a non-native language every day pushed me out of my comfort zone, but over time I learned to slow down, ask questions, and figure things out as I went. It gave me more confidence in adapting to new situations and helped me see the kind of person I want to be when things get challenging.

 ACADEMICS: How would you describe your academic experience abroad?

Most of my classes at National Taiwan University were upper-division and taught in Traditional Chinese, which made them some of the toughest I’ve ever taken. Balancing coursework with language was hard, but with help from classmates I learned how to adjust. The experience made me more independent and gave me a deeper appreciation for learning in a cross-cultural setting.

 CAREER: What skills did you learn / sharpen during your study abroad experience?

Studying abroad pushed me to adapt in ways I hadn’t before. Taking advanced classes in Chinese tested my focus and time management, while daily use of Mandarin improved my communication and confidence. I also learned how to stay calm when things didn’t go as planned, which gave me trust in my ability to handle challenges in any setting.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: How has your immersion impacted your perspectives on the world?

Living and studying in Taiwan changed how I see community. I learned that you don’t need to share the same first language or background to support each other—sometimes the best connections came from figuring things out together. It reminded me to approach cultural differences with patience, humility, and openness.

FUTURE: How has study abroad prepared you for your future?

I still remember how nervous I felt during my first few days in Taiwan. I didn’t leave my accommodation at first because it was my first time alone in a foreign country, and everything felt unfamiliar. Over time, that feeling turned into one of the experiences that stayed with me the most. I learned to ask for help, find ways to communicate, and get more comfortable with uncertainty. Remembering what it felt like to be new makes me want to support others in the same position, and it’s something I’ll carry with me into the future.

TIPS: What advice would you give to future Global Spartans?

Accept yourself. Not everything will go your way, and that’s okay—it’s part of the experience. Try to go with the flow, leave room for spontaneity, and allow yourself to make mistakes along the way.

Appreciate the small wins. Notice the day you finally order a meal on your own, figure out the train system, or have your first real conversation in another language. Those moments might feel small, but they really do matter.

Take time to reflect. Learn your limits and honor them. You don’t have to say yes to everything to make the most of your time abroad—protecting your energy and focusing on what feels meaningful is just as important.

And when you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’re not alone, and chances are, someone else has felt the same way you do.

Stay connected to home. The people who know you best can be your anchor when everything around you feels unfamiliar.