Most people would expect me to experience a culture shock after arriving in Taiwan to work and live there for three months. It was quite the opposite. I was happy and felt very comfortable, at ease.
It was upon returning to the USA that I experienced a culture shock. As soon as I arrived and started walking through the San Francisco airport, I felt a very familiar discomfort. I noticed the ease and happiness that I had gotten so used to in Taiwan was being replaced by some background anxiety.
Maybe you can relate to the feeling of landing in a country and picking up on a vibe. Every place has a different feel. It was now becoming apparent to me that here people were on edge. I could somehow pick up that the people around me were either more fearful or angry.
When I went outside to wait for my friend to pick me up I could feel it even more. People’s faces displayed discomfort and drivers were fighting to make their way through the airport roads. The lack of cooperation and impatience were palpable.
I asked myself: why is this so awkward? A few hours ago, I was still feeling the familiar happiness and ease of being in Taiwan. Now I was getting stressed out just standing outside. What’s wrong?
Then I realized something: Taiwan is a very civilized country. People work together as a society. They care about each other and know how to cooperate, listen to each other, and help one another. The Taiwanese government also nurtures that with great education, an amazing and very inexpensive healthcare system, and ways for people to retire. As a result the crime rate is very low, the people happier, and life expectancy longer than in the USA.
So I started asking myself: why would Taiwanese people move to USA? After all they already have:
- One of the best healthcare system in the world
- Great education
- A real democracy
- A very safe environment
- Amazing scenery and nature
- An open-minded government that cares about its people
- Kind people
- Convenience
- Lower cost of living
- Let’s not forget… amazing food
I asked my Chinese teacher, who has been in USA for 30 years why she came here. Her answer was: to give a better environment and future to her son.
She said the reasons for leaving Taiwan were:
- Education is bad – kids get hit and parents don’t like that
- Traffic is dangerous – cars don’t give way to pedestrians
- Living spaces are small – many people living in tiny apartments
- Bad weather – too much rain or too hot
- In USA she knew she would find more space, better weather, safer traffic, and better education. She could also provide her son with better career options.
I thought about these reasons and said:
- Education has changed, kids don’t get hit anymore in Taiwan schools
- The public transportation system is the best I’ve experienced
- Living spaces are small but there is so much to do outside and so much to see within a relatively small area
- The tropical weather is not that bad and keeps the island green – no droughts
Moreover, USA is becoming less and less safe, public schools are closing, the healthcare system is a scam, and retirement is only possible if you build your own nest egg. The retirement provided by the government is virtually useless. Basically, in USA the government doesn’t have your back. If you’re sick or old, you’re on your own. The main benefit of the USA is that it’s a country of law. However, law enforcement is enforcing less and less, which means citizens are losing the main benefit of being here. In addition, there are increasing attacks on Asians. So I’m really scratching my head and wondering: why are Taiwanese people staying here?
My teacher said: actually many of the Taiwanese people moving to USA these days are disappointed. In contrast, the ones who came here 30 years ago had a much more positive experience – until recently that is. Many of her friends who also came 30 years ago are now moving back to Taiwan. Three main reasons:
- Healthcare
- Public safety / low crime
- Retirement homes (much more affordable, great service)
USA has marketed itself as #1 and now I’m starting to see how a small country like Taiwan is outdoing it on many levels such as healthcare, public safety and mental health.
I would like to hear back from Taiwanese people: besides the career opportunities or higher salaries, what is keeping you in USA? Please contact me and let me know. I would really like to know.