Mischa Wilmers is a fluent Mandarin speaker and editor of the imlearningmandarin.com blog and podcast in which he shares insights and tips for learning Chinese. In 2023, he moved to Taipei for a year to immerse himself in Mandarin. In this article, he shares his experience and the best ways to find opportunities to speak Chinese in Taiwan.
In 2023, I had the opportunity to move to Taipei for a year and immerse myself in the Mandarin language, which I’d been studying while living in the UK for six years. My Mandarin was already at a conversational level, and I felt reasonably confident that I’d be able to dive in quickly.
But during my first couple of months I found myself in a bit of a bubble, surrounded mostly by English-speaking classmates and expats. Local people were mostly very friendly but often spoke to me in English and finding opportunities to practice Mandarin was more of a challenge than I’d anticipated.
In the end, I found lots of opportunities to immerse in Mandarin. But some of these took a while to find, and if I could go back I’d have done more planning in advance. In this blog post, I share five great ways to make the most of your time in Taiwan and get those crucial hours of Mandarin practice.
1. Join Polyglot Groups on Facebook
Taiwan has a vibrant online community of language enthusiasts, especially in the major cities. Joining Facebook polyglot groups was one of my smartest moves to start meeting people who were as passionate about languages as I was.
One of my favourite groups is Polyglot Taipei Language Exchange which meets every week in a bar and is run by the influential polyglot Thierry Hsieh. Learners meet regularly to practice different languages in a friendly environment and there’s always a table for Mandarin learners where you can meet and chat away with native speakers.
2. Join a Local Hiking Group
Taiwan is a hiker’s paradise, with trails ranging from beginner-friendly paths to rigorous mountain climbs. Hiking groups are very popular and a fantastic way to meet people who share a love for Taiwan’s natural beauty. They’re also a great place to practice Mandarin while enjoying the island’s lush landscapes.
Several hiking groups organise outings through Meetup and Facebook. One group in particular is called Language Walk and organises regular trips which language enthusiasts can go on to exchange languages. The walks are free to join and rely on small donations from each participant for around 100-200 NTD.
While hiking, you’ll naturally fall into conversations with people around you. I found that these relaxed, shared experiences were some of the best opportunities to connect and practice Mandarin in a meaningful way.
3. Try a Homestay with Lingoinn
If you’re looking for a truly immersive experience, a homestay allows you to live with a local family, where you’re essentially “forced” to speak Mandarin in your everyday life. Unlike in language schools or meetups, you’ll hear and practice the language in its natural, unfiltered form.
Lingoinn is particularly helpful because their hosts are qualified Chinese teachers. They provide a supportive, patient environment where you’re encouraged to ask questions and expand your vocabulary. Also, living with a family means you’ll experience Taiwan’s unique customs, cuisine, and festivals firsthand, making the learning experience both practical and culturally enriching.
4. Volunteer with Local Organisations
Volunteering is another fantastic way to meet locals and practice Mandarin in a way that feels natural and rewarding. Websites like workaway.info can be a great starting point to find volunteer roles that fit your interests.
I did a couple of volunteering roles during my travels, including one helping out at a hotel and another in a community project in the foothills of Yilan. You’ll interact with people from diverse backgrounds who might not speak much English, which is perfect for pushing yourself to communicate in Mandarin.
5. Explore Local Food Markets
Taiwan’s food markets are legendary especially the bustling night markets which can be found in every city. Visiting these markets is the perfect way to practice Mandarin in real-life settings with friendly vendors and fellow shoppers.
When you go to a market, try asking about the ingredients, haggling for a better price, or chatting with stall owners about the dishes they’re preparing. Many vendors are used to talking to tourists, so they’re patient and often happy to engage in a conversation, especially if you show genuine interest in their food and culture.
Taiwan offers a wealth of opportunities for Mandarin learners who are willing to step outside their comfort zones. By joining groups, exploring the outdoors and engaging with local culture, you’ll gain more than just language skills.
You’ll form connections that make Taiwan feel like a second home. With some planning, you can make your year in Taiwan an unforgettable and enriching chapter of your language journey.
