Unlike what many would assume, I didn't actually participate in many of the regular core-subject classes. But what I missed out on there I got to make up for in cultural and language classes. On the side you can see my weekly schedule for the duration of my stay. 

Unlike many would assume my time in Taiwanese school wasn't especially strict and the students behaved just as they do here.The main differences I saw is that they would clean the school after lunch and then promptly lay down for a scheduled nap!

One of the hardest parts for me was finding my way, compared to Winton Woods, 新莊 has multiple buildings with the main building having 6! floors. I often found myself wandering down empty dark hallways trying to find an elective class!

Each Wednesday, me and the other Hsin-Chuang exchange students got the special experience of attending Kainan High School and spend three hours doing activities and sightseeing to learn more about Taiwan. 

Though I always hated the commute (an almost hour long bus ride!), I loved all the arts and crafts we did, and I'll always remember watching Mulan for the first time and singing duibuqi!

Saving the best for last....I'd be remiss not the mention my homeroom class in Taiwan CLASS 205! Unlike American High Schools, Taiwanese High School students stay in one classroom for a large portion of the day and the teachers (and lunch) comes to them! As such, I spent most of my day with my very welcoming classmates who made sure I didn't lose my way in one the the school's 6 (!) floors, helped me improve my Chinese, and even threw me a surprise going away party <3

If I had to say one final thing to my former class I'd definitely remind them that their English is better than they think and us Americans don't bite so don't be afraid to talk to us!

For more shocking differences between Taiwanese and American schools, check out this (embarrassing) speech!