Zöe Grigoroff

Zöe Grigoroff recently completed the course, Immersive Taiwan: Culture, History, and Identity a faculty-led travel course. Using the Power of Experience Grant, Grigoroff, her classmates, and faculty experienced in-class learning before spending two weeks exploring the country. 

What about this class and trip appealed to you?

I am really interested in keeping up my Chinese language skills. In Singapore we learned it in school, but I really didn’t speak it at home. Coming to Knox and hearing about this immersive Taiwan course, I was really interested to go to a place where I had to rely on my Chinese skills and really use it instead of using English as a fallback because in Singapore most people speak English. In Taiwan, you have to completely use Mandarin. 

How did being a faculty-led, immersive trip with classmates help?

I had never taken a trip overseas with a class, so it was exciting. Going on this guided tour of Taiwan, we learned so much every day. We visited so many meaningful historical sites that are significant to the history, culture, and politics. We had everything in these amazing tours on this trip. I felt almost overwhelmed by all the things you could research; it was so immersive.

I was considering going alone to Taiwan to study abroad, but that would have been too much to handle as a single person. With classmates, I knew I had people to get help from, support, and we’re all working on projects, so it’s nice to be around people who are also getting excited about what they’re researching. Also, it’s fun to have someone to go out and walk around, or just get noodles with. It was nice to explore with my friends.

What was your research project?

Being interested in the Chinese language, I came to study the use of written language in everyday life. I was studying a lot of street signs and the use of calligraphy, so we visited one of the national museums and saw many old scrolls from different Chinese dynasties. They use traditional Chinese there, but there’s also the indigenous Taiwanese culture, so I was interested in how the locals felt about the Chinese language. Are the cultures different? Are there two separate languages? Then they have their own dialect, and the Chinese immigrants who arrived, so it was interesting to learn how complicated the language landscape was.

How helpful were the classes you took in the fall that prepared you for this trip?

It was eye-opening learning about parts of Taiwanese society and the political history of Taiwan. We met weekly and had readings on Taiwan. It was really rich, learning about the historical figures. There was a lot of freedom in the course because we could pursue our research interests and gain a general understanding of Taiwan’s place in the world and its history. We even watched the movie City of Sadness to learn about some of Taiwan’s tragic history. The class was useful for getting background knowledge, but it also helped us find news outlets to get an idea of current events, which really helped. 

You used the Power of Experience Grant to make your trip easier. What did you use it for?

I used it to cover the airfare, which was the main thing. The accommodations were part of the travel package. That was another benefit of going with a class; the professor handled all of that, so we didn't have to stress about it. I had most of the materials for my project from my art studio, so the Power of Experience Grant covered food, airfare, and some purchases in Taiwan.

Does this change how you view travel in the future and your view of the world?

It makes me confident in my language skills, and if I do travel to mainland China or Taiwan again, I think I would be able to communicate with locals while still learning more Chinese. It also gives me a better sense of the ways you can travel. We took trains and buses, and used a mix of public and private transport, so it’s good to see the different ways to get around the country. 

What did you take in when exploring, not just as research but by immersing yourself in another culture?

The big thing is food; my friend and I wanted to try as much Taiwanese food as possible. There are so many options, and they have these night markets which have so many cool things. I think every day was different and exciting. I have memories of going to restaurants with friends, walking around, and seeing what cool stuff they sell in Taiwan compared to what's available in America. You also learn how to say things you’d never think of, like saying ‘waffle’ in Chinese. We didn’t know how to say it, but there are so many little great memories of the trip. I have many rich memories from this trip.

Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for those going on a trip or contemplating one?

Be prepared for the unexpected. You can’t plan everything perfectly; things are going to change. You don’t have to feel bad if something unexpected comes up, but you do need flexibility. Ask for help when you need it; people will help, so stay open-minded.