One thing that I did find interesting beyond just the food was the eating time. Almost all American schools will have a cafeteria, where students from all different classes will gather to order or eat lunch together. It is a fun but chaotic social time as you might see friends from different classes and you can sit wherever you would like. I was quite surprised to learn that Taiwan does not have this type of school lunch tradition. Instead, the students eat in their homeroom at their desks, often with dividers up. It could be a remaining habit from COVID-19, but I am not sure. However, one thing that I am jealous about is the nap time. After lunch, students get around 35 to 40 minutes of nap time, where essentially the whole school is silent for students to rest. It is even common for teachers to nap during this time too (which I have taken advantage of!). After elementary school, there is no nap time in U.S. middle schools or high schools. Some of my coworkers are shocked when I tell them this and ask, “Then what would you do if you were tired?” To be honest, it never really occurred to me nor do I really remember, so I always joke, “I drank coffee.”
School Store
One thing I love about Ren Ai and other schools here in Taiwan is the concept of a school store! I never have seen anything like this in any of my secondary school experiences. I love how students can buy snacks or school items, and it makes so much sense. The only type of snack purchasing that I remember was during lunch with a vending machine!
I hope this helps give you a glimpse into my teaching life as well as student life here. There are many commonalities between student life here and the U.S.
