I’ve been studying Mandarin Chinese for nine years now, starting in middle school. Ever since high school, I’d often hear about the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) program—a two-month opportunity to immerse oneself completely in a target language abroad. Last year, I decided to apply, and this past summer, I found myself studying Mandarin in Tainan, Taiwan.
My Mandarin improved significantly over these two months, thanks to the incredible teachers at National Cheng Kung University. However, the most impactful part of my experience wasn’t just the language learning, but the relationships I built with my host family and friends.
When I say family, I’m referring to my host parents, who truly came to feel like my mother and father during my time there. From helping me with everyday tasks like taking out the trash to making me breakfast, they made me feel completely at home. I especially can’t forget the lively political debates my host mother and I had in the evenings! My host brother, meanwhile, introduced me to his circle of friends, showed me the vibrant nightlife of Taiwan, and took me to my favorite spot—an organ meat restaurant.
Our conversations happened entirely in Mandarin, thanks to the language pledge we all took, which forbade us from speaking even a word of English. Although it was frustrating at times when I couldn’t find the right words to express myself, those struggles made my Chinese improve rapidly.
When I say family, I’m referring to my host parents, who truly came to feel like my mother and father during my time there. From helping me with everyday tasks like taking out the trash to making me breakfast, they made me feel completely at home.
– Massin Larbi
By the end of the program, I was even able to help my host mom with her English lessons by explaining tongue positions and pronunciation in Mandarin. I had reached a point where I could joke around in Chinese and express my personality in a way that brought me closer to my host family and the community.
It might be surprising to hear that when I first received the scholarship, I wasn’t thrilled about living with a host family or having a language partner. I’ve always valued my personal space and preferred to be on my own. But all of that changed the moment I met both my host family and my language partner. By the end of the program, I was in tears as I boarded the bus to Taoyuan Airport, leaving behind people who had become family to me.
Since returning to the United States, I’ve been focused on my Fulbright application, hoping to return to Taiwan. This country and its people have left an indelible mark on me—not only changing how I see the world, but also how I view myself.
On my wall, I’ve hung a letter my language partner gave me before I left. It says, “Taiwan is your HOME, come back anytime!”
当然台湾算我的家，别担心我肯定回来。
Story by Massin Larbi
Political Science and Chinese majors
Photos courtesy of Massin Larbi