Pre-Departure Breakdown

Well, folks, the clock says it's officially Sunday, May 10. I depart for Taiwan on Monday, May 11. My suitcase sits empty as the white cotton in the dryer awaits my welcome.

The introduction above is a perfect explanation of this blog's title: The Misadventures of an American Educator in Taiwan. I would love to say I'm simply embarking on a new adventure, but really, do I ever truly know what's in store next? No. I don't even have my bags packed yet! This is why my adventures quickly become misadventures. I hope to chronicle my misadventures, "learnings", and reflections throughout my short time in Taiwan.

I know you're thinking, "Why Taiwan?"

That's easy. Class! Really, though, my trip to Taiwan is the result of a graduate course I'm taking here at the University of South Carolina. Each of us in the course is learning about Taiwanese education through our own questions. My questions focus on Taiwanese education policy; the same types of questions I ask about education in the U.S.

I don't know how much I'll get to updating this, but I hope to get to it at least every other day with a picture, quote, question, reflection, or any other form of mindless, reflective babble.

For Mrs. Truitt's class: my itinerary is listed below. It includes some sites I will be visiting as well as my free days. Explore them and let me know what you find out. I would love to hear what your inquring minds can dig up about the places I'll be visiting. Also, what questions do my favorite fourth-graders have about Taiwan?

5/11: Depart from Columbia, SC, U.S.A.
5/12: Arrive in Taipei, Taiwan
5/13: Ming Chuan University (MCU) Taoyuan campus orientation. Explore Taipei, including options: Zhi-shan: Zhishanyen, Shi-lin: Shihlin Presidential Residence, Zhong-shan: Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei, Yuan-shan: Baoan Temple
5/14: Visit National Palace Museum (http://www.npm.gov.tw/)
5/15: Visit National Taiwan Normal University
5/16: Field Trip: Beipu and Yingge Old Street
5/17: Exploring Taipei!
5/18: Visit Ministry of Education and National Taiwan University
5/19: Independent Research
5/20: Field Trip: Taichung - Visit China Medical University
5/21: Class at MCU
5/22: Visit Office of the President of ROC (Taiwan) - www.president.gov.tw/en/ and visit to Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines - www.lonelyplanet.com/taiwan/taipei/sights/375629
5/23: Overnight Field Trip: Taroko Gorge and Hualien
5/24: Field Trip: Yilan: National Center for Traditional Arts, afternoon stop in Pinglin.
5/25: Class at MCU and free afternoon
5/26: MCU Farewell luncheon
5/27: Depart for U.S.A.



Wish me happy travels and a safe return. I'll keep you updated!


One last thing...I'm going to *try* to use this blog to reflect on any reading I get done on the trip. I'm not sure if I will get a lot done or if I will be too tired to do any, but just in case, I'm bringing a few books. They are:

1. The Tale of Despereaux - My favorite book. It's time for a re-read.
2. "Socialism is Great!" A worker's Memoir of the New China
3. The Ayatollah Begs to Differ: The Paradox of Modern Iran
4. The Sirens of Badhdad
5. The Complete Persepolis (a graphic novel)


Finally, I'm finished!