Why don’t young people stay in Taiwan? Why do they leave to become “international” volunteers?

Text and photos /“Observation Diary of Traveling to Northern Europe”by Tsai Fuda

A fantastical trip to India marked the beginning of her journey as a Mandarin teacher for Tibetan exiles.

“The fact that I went to India alone was actually a series of accidents—I guess it was meant to be,” Ray said empathetically over the phone. Ray continued: “Originally, I was planning to go with a friend, but just as I had finished all the paperwork, he told me his visa hadn’t been approved. I was really scared at the time—after all, everyone says it’s dangerous there, and that girls should never go alone. I hesitated for a long time, but something kept pushing me forward.”

Obelai: “So what helped you overcome your fear?” Ray: “I told you not to think I’m being superstitious, but it’s true—I’m actually a devout Christian. When I have something I can’t decide on, I talk to God. If I’m really supposed to go on this trip, I asked Him to give me a clear sign. Then, when I woke up in the morning and turned on the TV, the first thing I saw was an ad for traveling to India. I couldn’t believe it—how could so many ads be playing on rotation, predicting the exact time I’d wake up and turn on the TV, just to show me that? At first, I thought it was just a coincidence. That night, I went home and said to God again: ‘Think carefully, okay? Don’t mess with me. If you really want me to go, tell me in your own way...’ The next day, I woke up at a different time and, out of habit, turned on the TV—and guess what? He gave me the exact same ad again. What could I do but go?”

Obelai: “Wow, seriously? So what happened on that trip to India?” I asked, wearing a look of horror. Ray: “In northern India, I visited the Dalai Lama’s residence and toured some temples. I had written down some questions I wanted to ask and left them on a piece of paper. Just as I was about to leave, a lama called me over and gave both me and my friend an envelope. Inside were answers to the very questions we had written... I was completely shocked on the spot. The envelopes weren’t signed—how did he know who to give them to? And we didn’t even know that lama, let alone have met him before.”

Obelai: “What?! No way, I’m getting chills...” I said. Ray: “Later, I ran into two Taiwanese teachers who were teaching Mandarin in Dharamsala at a restaurant, and I ended up volunteering at an NGO, teaching Tibetan people Mandarin for a month. That’s where I met the head of the Chinese department at the school I’m going to now.”

“Looking back, maybe that was the reason God brought me to India. Maybe you won’t believe it, but Tibetan religious beliefs are different from mine—I’m a Christian—so I have no reason to make up stories to fool you. We’re constantly reminded to love all people. Maybe I can be one of the keys that helps open the door to peace for the Tibetans,” Ray said with a sense of responsibility.

Obelai: “Other than those mysterious experiences, what else made you want to go on this trip?” Ray: “Because I’ve been there, I’ve met some people, and I’ve gotten close to them—it doesn’t feel so far away anymore. It feels like I owe something to my friends. Education is the foundation of everything. It shapes the breadth, depth, and height of a person’s life. Language is the basis of communication. A lack of shared language leads to misunderstandings, hatred, and even war. Only by understanding each other’s languages can we communicate, express goodwill, and create a win-win situation. Only then can peace come.”

Obelai: “What do you think was the hardest part of this long journey?”

“Actually, I think issues like funding and safety can be resolved as much as possible. But what confused me more was encountering a lot of people who questioned, ‘You’re Taiwanese—why aren’t you staying in Taiwan? Why go help foreigners? There are plenty of people in Taiwan who need help too!’” Ray said earnestly... Obelai: “That question comes up a lot, honestly—but I want to ask it too.”

Does the act of “giving” really differ based on race, nationality, gender, or other external conditions? Is it superiority? Or just a matter of national character? Sometimes, it’s just about choosing the most appropriate way, in a given time and place, to do what you want to do—based on your current state (including physical and mental health, finances, opportunities, and all other conditions).

Many people think that because I’m from a certain place, I should prioritize giving back to that place. Most people would agree with that mindset. But if you think of yourself as a member of this global “home” we call Earth, then you go wherever you’re needed. Is that wrong?

So the focus shouldn’t be on “who you are.” Starting from the logic of “who you are” is already a form of division. But travel allows us to connect more closely with the world.

I think the answer to the problem might lie in the “scale of love.”