Are guys too shy? Panamanian girl studies Chinese & analyzes “5 big phenomena in Taiwan”

Reported by You T-Ru / Taipei

What is Taiwan like in the eyes of foreigners? Cheng Yingsha, a student from Panama studying Industrial Engineering and Management at National Taipei University of Technology, came to Taiwan in August 2013 and has been here for a year and a half. Cheng said that besides being friendly, many aspects of life in Taiwan are quite interesting, and she listed five fascinating phenomena. For example, taking photos before meals, not minding putting on sunscreen, and numerous folk taboos, as well as the fact that “Taiwanese guys are really shy and not proactive compared to foreign guys.”

%Photo of pickled vinegar garden taken during a school trip (pictured). (Photo / Provided by Cheng Yingsha)

Phenomenon 1: Taking photos before meals
Cheng Yingsha said: “When I go out to eat with Taiwanese classmates, they always pause before eating to take photos. At first, I didn’t understand what was going on, but later I found out they were uploading the photos to Facebook as check-ins.” In addition, whether outdoors, indoors, or on public transportation, you can see “phone zombies” everywhere.

Phenomenon 2: Taiwanese girls don’t mind putting on sunscreen
Perhaps influenced by the Chinese idea that “one white covers up three uglinesses,” Cheng pointed out that Taiwanese girls will definitely do their sunscreen before going out. Especially in summer, steps like applying sunscreen, wearing long sleeves, and carrying an umbrella are all essential, and they don’t find it troublesome — something she finds quite admirable. However, when she heard that her female friends’ reason for using sunscreen was “because guys like fair skin, not dark skin,” she, with her healthy complexion, laughed and said: “Then I’ll skip it!”

%Photo of school trip (second from left) with classmates during a meal. (Photo / Provided by Cheng Yingsha)


Phenomenon 3: Taiwanese guys are shy and not proactive
Cheng believes that compared to guys in Panama, most Taiwanese guys are hesitant to initiate conversations with girls. But she thinks this shy personality actually makes Taiwanese guys quite adorable. However, Cheng also observed that the smoking rate among Taiwanese guys is quite high, and she frankly said that smoking not only affects one’s own and others’ health, but also significantly detracts from one’s image.

Phenomenon 4: Many taboos during Ghost Month
Every year during the seventh lunar month, known as “Ghost Month” in Taiwanese custom, Taiwanese friends kindly remind Cheng Yingsha to avoid certain activities to prevent attracting “hungry ghosts.” For example, taboos like “not hanging clothes out to dry at midnight,” “not whistling at night,” and “avoiding staying out late at night” make her find the customs quite interesting. When asked if she’s scared, she laughed and said: “I’m Catholic, so I’m not afraid!”

Phenomenon 5: Taiwanese treat strangers with kindness
Cheng Yingsha said that Taiwanese people are very friendly and helpful. During her time studying in Taiwan, she received help from many people. She believes that when ordinary people encounter problems, the vast majority of Taiwanese are willing to lend a hand, and this atmosphere has deeply influenced her, making her more willing to help those in need.