Our Taiwanese Adventure

Visiting Taiwan was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. As a high school senior used to the business of Miami, I didn’t expect to be so impacted by a place halfway around the world. But from the moment I landed, everything felt new and alive. The night markets buzzed with energy—flavors I’d never tasted, smells that somehow worked, and people who welcomed me with a kindness that didn’t need translation.

One of the highlights was staying with a host family. They treated me like one of their own, even teaching me how to make traditional scallion pancakes. I learned how different yet similar our values were—respect, family, and hard work. I also visited schools and saw how students in Taiwan balanced intense academics with a strong sense of community. It made me reflect on my education and what I take for granted.

This trip didn’t just show me a new country—it made me more aware of the world outside my bubble. It taught me to listen more, assume less, and appreciate culture not as a tourist, but as a learner. Taiwan wasn’t just a place I visited—it’s a place that helped me grow as an individual. 

- Lucas Delgado ‘25

Taiwan is one of the best experiences I’ve had for several reasons. For starters, the food. During my time in Taiwan, I tried some truly unique dishes, like pig blood cake, which was an acquired taste, but I also discovered some of the best fried chicken I’ve ever had—crispy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. The night markets, with their endless stalls of stinky tofu, bubble tea, and oyster omelets, opened my eyes to the incredible diversity of Taiwanese cuisine. Beyond the food, the warmth and hospitality of the people made me feel instantly welcome, whether I was exploring Taipei or the serene landscapes of Taroko Gorge.

All of this made me see Taiwanese culture for what it really is: a vibrant and diverse mix of tradition and modernity, shaped by its rich history. But what really stood out to me was the sense of brotherhood. Both at the school and away from it, the Senior class always seemed to me, a band of brothers. Whenever I had a problem that needed solving, whether it was figuring out the bus system or finding the best local spots, the seniors were always there to help without hesitation. There was an unspoken bond—a shared understanding that we were in this experience together, and that made all the difference. For me, Taiwan wasn’t just about the places I visited, but the connections I formed—with the culture, the people, and the shared moments that felt like being part of something bigger. Taiwan taught me that the best travel experiences aren’t just about seeing new things, but about feeling welcomed, understood, and, in a way, at home even when you’re far away. That’s why Taiwan remains one of the most meaningful journeys I’ve ever taken.

- Nicolas Bethel '27

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The Taiwan Exchange Program was designed to allow students of both schools to travel and experience each other’s culture, fostering the Jesuit educational tenet of global learning. For information, email program coordinator Grace Chuang at gchuang@belenjesuit.org.