Long-term Thai immigrant shares her experiences

She shared her experiences adjusting to Taiwan’s food and culture, and overcoming language barriers, encouraging immigrants to open their hearts and put down roots in Taiwan. Beka Chidapha speaks at an event at the National Immigration Agency’s Taipei City Service Center yesterday. Photo courtesy of the National Immigration AgencyThe hardest part about moving to Taiwan was getting used to the food, as Thai food is spicy and heavily seasoned, while Taiwanese food is lighter, Chidapha said. However, she adjusted to Taiwanese tastes in time and now feels that Thai food is too strong when she goes back, she said. Her sense of gratitude motivated her to work with immigrant service centers, women’s associations and family centers, giving back to society through Thai cooking classes and cultural exchange activities, she said.