Growing up in Christchurch in the 1980s, Michael Tan had few opportunities to speak an Asian language. Although his parents were of Chinese descent, they spoke different Chinese dialects, so English became the common language at home.

Today, Michael is a doctor at Auckland's Starship Children's Hospital. He had tried learning Mandarin several times but found it difficult to progress beyond a few simple words.

That began to change after he met his wife, Ai Ping. Through her Mandarin-speaking background, Michael's exposure to the language gradually increased. Together with their two sons, they have created a bilingual home and actively encouraged their children to learn Mandarin. Even so, Michael still found that he understood little beyond the basics.

Earlier this year, the family joined a Taiwan cultural and educational trip organised by Chi Yuan Education Centre in Auckland. The experience became a turning point in Michael's language-learning journey.

"We had an amazing time in Taiwan," he recalled. "However, I realised that if I was able to communicate more in Mandarin, I would gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan's culture."

Watching his children use their Mandarin skills also left a strong impression. "Seeing my children understand more of the world around them due to their Mandarin language skills made me proud and motivated me to give learning Mandarin another go. If they can put the effort into learning, I should do the same!"

After returning to New Zealand, Michael enrolled in the adult Mandarin programme at TCML, established at Chi Yuan Education Centre. His two sons are also students at Chi Yuan Education Centre, where they learn with Sheryl, who leads the TCML Mandarin programme. Learning Mandarin has therefore become a shared family experience rather than simply an individual goal.

He particularly appreciates the practical focus of the programme, with lessons based on situations learners may encounter in everyday life. "The learning is aimed at real-life situations which I will be able to use with family, friends and in future travels to Taiwan and beyond."

The connection between classroom learning and real-life experience has been one of the highlights of Michael' s journey. During the family's Taiwan trip, they explored different aspects of Taiwanese life and culture, including visiting a traditional night market and experiencing the art of bargaining in Mandarin."Learning the art of bargaining in Mandarin is relatable to everyday life in a Taiwan market," he said.

Another highlight was visiting Fo Guang Shan in Kaohsiung, where Michael had an opportunity to learn about both long-standing traditions and contemporary aspects of Buddhism."The site was massive and displayed deep spiritualism. I learnt about customs hundreds of years old, as well as modern aspects of Buddhism."

For Michael, these experiences demonstrated how language can open a deeper window into the culture behind it. What might otherwise have been simply a tourist experience became an opportunity to better understand Taiwan' s history, traditions and way of life.

The family' s cultural learning has continued after returning to New Zealand. Michael' s son recently attended a school holiday programme at Chi Yuan Education Centre, where he was introduced to the customs and etiquette of a traditional tea ceremony. The programme culminated in an immersive demonstration, with him putting his learning into practice by serving tea and traditional snacks to his family.

Seeing his children engage so enthusiastically with Taiwanese culture has further encouraged Michael in his own learning journey."I look forward to learning Mandarin with my children. I only hope I can keep up with them!" he joked. "Under my wife's supervision, we have fun times developing our language skills together."

For Michael, Mandarin learning is becoming a shared family journey. His wife, Ai Ping, provides encouragement at home, while his sons continue learning at Chi Yuan Education Centre.

His experience has also changed the way he thinks about future travel."In the long term, I hope to use my new language skills during future travels to Mandarin-speaking countries."

The family's journey to Taiwan has given Michael a deeper appreciation of the country's history and culture and a renewed motivation to continue learning Mandarin. "I am now inspired to learn Mandarin so I can return to Taiwan with my family and explore with a deeper cultural understanding of the traditions and customs that have contributed to the development of modern Taiwan."

For Michael, learning Mandarin is no longer simply about being able to say a few words. It is about participating more fully in his family's bilingual life, understanding a culture that has become an important part of his family's story, and preparing for future journeys together.

His journey reflects how language and cultural learning can bring families closer while creating new connections between New Zealand and Taiwan. For Michael, every new word is another step towards returning to Taiwan—not simply as a visitor, but with a deeper understanding of the people, traditions and culture he has come to appreciate.

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