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Borderless House Event | Beach Cleanup at Shalun Beach!

Hello everyone! Remember the plastic reduction takoyaki party held by BORDERLESS HOUSE last year at Share House Technology Building 2? We tasted delicious takoyaki made by our Japanese tenants and conveyed the crucial message of reducing plastic to protect our planet.

This year, we are bringing that passion to Shalun Beach, taking action to clean up the trash. Let’s join hands to create a cleaner, more beautiful future for our planet!

Come with BORDERLESS HOUSE to Shalun Beach in New Taipei!

On that sunny day, the sun shone brightly, and although the wind was quite strong, the cool air eased the heat. BORDERLESS HOUSE staff joined the tenants from Share House in picking up trash on the beach while enjoying the calmness of the ocean. To our surprise, we met another group of university students who were also there for the beach cleanup! This made the whole event even more vibrant. They were also amazed that BORDERLESS HOUSE is a co-living brand that focuses on cultural exchange! As our garbage bags filled up, the interactions among the tenants grew, strengthening their bonds.


Once the cleanup was over, everyone decided to head to Tamsui Old Street to relax, strolling along the riverside while enjoying food and shopping. The sunset created a beautiful backdrop, perfectly concluding this fulfilling day💗.


Ready to experience the beauty of Taiwan’s hidden gems while making lifelong connections? Join us on our next adventure and explore Taiwan’s stunning landscapes with the BORDERLESS HOUSE community!

Whether you’re looking to connect with nature or meet new people, our share houses in Taiwan offer the perfect blend of community and adventure. Click here to explore our share houses in Taiwan and start your journey today✨!

A special short-term stay at Share House Xinyi-Anhe1✨


Xinyi-Anhe 1 Share House’s short-term stay program has officially launched! Enjoy lower rent than other BORDERLESS HOUSE houses, and if you stay the entire two months, you’ll benefit from an extra discount. 

If you’re currently looking for a short-term stay, click here to get more detailed information now!!!

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Experience the Charm of Share House: Special short-term stay discounts, making it easy for you to connect with people from around the world.

Looking for a short-term stay in Taipei that lets you fully immerse yourself in the local lifestyle while connecting with people from around the world? The short-term stay program at BORDERLESS HOUSE Xinyi-Anhe 1 is the perfect choice!

We provide not only a comfortable place to stay but also a lively community atmosphere brimming with international interactions. Explore our special discounts now and make your Taipei journey not only affordable but also filled with surprises and meaningful experiences!

Special short-term stay discounts✨

Xinyi-Anhe 1 Share House’s short-term stay program has officially launched! Enjoy lower rent than other BORDERLESS HOUSE houses, and if you stay the entire two months, you’ll benefit from an extra discount!!!

■ Details: Stay for 2 months and receive a 50% rent discount for the first month.
・Full rent and utility fees for the entire stay must be paid upon move-in.
・Utility fees are charged based on regular monthly rates and are not covered by the discount.
■ Applicable Share House: Xinyi-Anhe1
■ Stay Period: From December 2, 2024, to January 31, 2025 (Stay limited to 2 months)
■ Application Deadline: Now until November 23, 2024. Click here to submit your application.
■ Notes:
1. If you move out before the end of your rental agreement, you will not get a refund for rent or utility fees.
2. To use this offer, please let us know ahead of time.
3. BORDERLESS HOUSE has the right to end the rental agreement if any rules are broken or if the tenant is found to be unsuitable.

Why Choose BORDERLESS HOUSE?

BORDERLESS HOUSE is like a miniature international village🌎, where people from all over the world come together. By living together, you can deeply explore different cultures and form strong bonds of friendship. We also organize language exchanges and a variety of events to encourage interaction between houses, helping you broaden your international outlook and friendship network. Plus, our special ‘BORDERLESS TRAVEL’ program allows you to stay in our share houses in Japan and Korea, offering you an even more enriching and exciting travel experience!

In addition, each house is fully equipped, ideally located, and offers flexible lease terms, making it easier and more convenient for you to enjoy life in Taipei!

Whether you want to make new friends in a short time or gain a deeper insight into Taipei’s culture, you can do it all in this globally-minded space. Discover a different way of living through the information below!
▶️MOVE-IN PROCESS
▶️SHARE HOUSE LIST
▶️FAQ
▶️Rent and Contracts

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Borderless House Event | Explore Taiwan’s Hidden Trails: Sandiaoling Hike

The rich natural environment around Taipei provides a perfect setting for hiking. This time, we chose the Sandiaoling Trail, famed for its spectacular waterfalls.

More than 20 tenants from BORDERLESS HOUSE share houses joined this event, coming together to explore and bond through a shared love for nature. The hike allowed us to not only appreciate Taiwan’s stunning landscapes but also engage in meaningful cultural exchanges, making it a memorable experience for everyone living in a share house community.

Now, let’s begin our journey from Sandiaoling Station, and dive into the beauty of this ancient trail with its magnificent waterfalls and tranquil environment!

The Waterfall Journey: Hegu, Motian, and Pipa Cave Waterfalls

The first stop was Hegu Waterfall, standing 15 meters tall, gracefully flowing through the dense forest. It’s the only waterfall we couldn’t get close to, but an observation deck nearby provided a fantastic view.

Continuing along the trail for another 20 minutes, we arrived at Motian Waterfall. Taller and more dramatic than Hegu, Motian’s powerful stream crashes down like a curtain of silver. The pool and rocks at its base enhance its majestic feel. Some of our share house tenants took a break here, cooling off in the fresh waters, while others enjoyed capturing beautiful photos from the viewpoint.

We then ascended to our final stop, Pipa Cave Waterfall, perched at the highest point of the trail. Water cascades down from a cave in the cliffside, with the sound reverberating through the valley, creating a mystical atmosphere. We stayed for about an hour and a half, enjoying lunch and the tranquility. A group photo sealed the memory of this shared experience.

Let’s top off this unforgettable journey with shaved ice!

To top off the day, we indulged in shaved ice from a local shop near the station. Even though it was a dry season and the waterfalls weren’t at their fullest, the beauty and tranquility of Sandiaoling left us in awe. This hike allowed us to connect more deeply with Taiwan’s nature and brought BORDERLESS HOUSE tenants closer together. We’re already looking forward to the next adventure!

Ready to experience the beauty of Taiwan’s hidden gems while making lifelong connections? Join us on our next adventure and explore Taiwan’s stunning landscapes with the BORDERLESS HOUSE community!

Whether you’re looking to connect with nature or meet new people, our share houses in Taiwan offer the perfect blend of community and adventure. Click here to explore our share houses in Taiwan and start your journey today✨!

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Event | Celebrate Lunar New year with BORDERLESS HOUSE housemate!

Lunar New Year is a traditional festival calculated according to the lunar calendar and is one of Taiwan’s important holidays. During the Lunar New Year holiday period, people typically return to their hometowns to reunite with family and friends, celebrating the arrival of the new year together. Customs and traditions vary from region to region. In Taiwan, for example: on New Year’s Eve, families perform rituals to honor ancestors, gather for dinner, and stay up late into the night; on the first day of the new year, people pay a New Year’s visit; the second day is for married daughters going back to their own family to visit parents, relatives, and close friends; the third day is for going to bed earlier; the fourth day involves rituals to welcome deities and ensure good fortune for the coming year; and the fifth day marks the resumption of business activities after the holiday

This year, our Taiwanese housemate, James, brought our Japanese housemate, Azusa, back to his hometown (Kaohsiung and Tainan) to celebrate the New Year. During their visit, he introduced Azusa to Taiwanese customs, allowing her to immerse herself more deeply in the atmosphere of the Spring Festival. Let’s follow in their footsteps and explore the sights of southern Taiwan during the Lunar New Year!

Let’s start the trip from Kaohsiung! Dome of Light, Cijin, Cijin Lighthouse, and The Pier-2 Art Center✨


Our first stop was the renowned landmark at Kaohsiung’s Formosa Boulevard Station—the Dome of Light. The dome tells the story of human life in four chronologically arranged themes: Water: The Womb of Life; Earth: Prosperity and Growth; Light: The Creative Spirit; and Fire: Destruction and Rebirth, with an overall message of love and tolerance. Whenever new friends visit Kaohsiung for the first time, I always take them here.



Our next destination is Cijin, where we hopped on bicycles and rode along the seaside bike path, soaking in the coastal scenery. I noticed Azusa’s excitement as she witnessed the sunset by the beach. It seemed that in Taiwan, there were fewer opportunities for her to appreciate such beautiful landscapes while cycling, which made the experience even more special for her.



Afterwards, we visited the Cijin Lighthouse to enjoy the night scenery. This location offers a fantastic view, overlooking Cijin Beach and Kaohsiung. Surprisingly, it’s not widely known, so there weren’t many people around. We lingered here for quite some time, relishing the tranquil moments in the peaceful ambiance.


Finally, we took a boat back to Kaohsiung and strolled along the Pier-2 Art Center. Along the way, we encountered numerous art installations and food trucks. I explained to Azusa that Kaohsiung is a port city, historically centered around import-export trade, hence the frequent presence of cargo ships. The buildings at Pier-2 used to be warehouses for storing goods but have since been transformed into an artistic hub.

Fo Guang Shan, lion and dragon dances, and head to Tainan!



The next day, we visited Fo Guang Shan, a Buddhist monastery, to experience the spring festivities and offer prayers. As Taiwan’s largest Buddhist monastery, it attracts many visitors every year who come to pray for peace and prosperity. Besides the prayers, the monastery also offers a variety of unexpected vegetarian dishes, such as vegetarian chicken made from soybeans and mushrooms, as well as international cuisine. Along the way, we encountered the traditional lion and dragon dances, and lively performances that celebrate the arrival of the new year and add to the festive atmosphere.


Afterward, we headed to Tainan, arriving after dark. We visited the renowned souvenir shop, Hayashi Department Store, which opened during the Japanese colonial period in 1932, becoming the second department store in Taiwan and the first in southern Taiwan. After undergoing renovation, it reopened in 2014 as a “cultural and creative department store,” while still preserving many early artifacts. Here, you can find Taiwan’s famous specialties such as nougat, tea leaves, pineapple cakes, as well as clothing and unique cultural and creative products from the early Japanese colonial period. The packaging of these items is exquisitely cute, blending traditional Japanese patterns with local Taiwanese styles, making it worth a visit for everyone!

Experience the Lantern Festival atmosphere and eat delicious Tainan food.



During the Spring Festival, as it approaches the Lantern Festival (the fifteenth day of the Chinese New Year), lantern festivals are held as part of the celebrations. This year is no exception. Not only are the streets of Tainan adorned with lanterns, but temples also display characteristic lanterns, creating a festive atmosphere. Moreover, there are some artistic paintings or small shops hidden along the streets, often attracting passersby to stop and explore.




If I were to describe Kaohsiung, I would say it’s a bustling port city that never sleeps, becoming more beautiful as the night deepens. On the other hand, Tainan can be described as a capital of food. Traditional breakfast in Tainan is seafood congee, reflecting the city’s early reliance on fishing for livelihoods, necessitating a hearty meal to sustain energy for work. Another famous delicacy is Tainan beef soup, which I highly recommend trying if you have the chance. The broth is rich and smooth, and the beef is tender yet flavorful! Additionally, prices in Tainan are relatively lower than in Taipei, so I believe you can enjoy your meals with great satisfaction there.

When it comes to must-try desserts in Tainan, we can’t forget about tofu pudding (douhua) and fruit shaved ice. During the summer, you can enjoy mango shaved ice, which foreigners highly favor, while in the winter, you can enjoy seasonal strawberry shaved ice.

The above is the three-day, two-night trip back to my hometown with Azusa. If there’s a chance, I’d also like to experience the local New Year culture in Japan:)!

Want to experience wonderful international friendships? Let’s join BORDERLESS HOUSE!


BORDERLESS HOUSE offers accommodation environments akin to studying abroad, allowing you to feel the charm of a global community right at home. If you aspire to such a lifestyle, why not take action now?

We are now launching the Summer Early Bird campaign, allowing you to start preparing for your journey early! Don’t miss this opportunity and join us!

Start your exciting new adventure by clicking the links below!
▶️RESERVATION PROCESS
▶️SHARE HOUSE LIST
▶️FAQ

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Weekend Trip with Roommates – One Day Trip to the North Coast

After a week of work, not sure where to go for the weekend? Let our Zhongshan-Shuanglian1 housemates take you on an outing!

This time, they have organized a one-day trip to the North Coast, allowing us to explore the recommended attractions and delicacies together!!!

First Stop – Shalun Beach in Tamsui

Located near the Lover’s Bridge in Tamsui, Shalun Beach is a perfect spot to sit on the sand, gaze at the ocean, and experience the tranquility of the coast. This beach, not frequently visited by the public, is a relatively serene hidden gem. Watching children and pets roam freely creates a healing atmosphere. On that day, they brought picnic mats and enjoyed the beach while chatting. One of our housemates from the UK later shared that the view of this sea was truly therapeutic for her, as back in her hometown, she rarely had the opportunity to see such expansive seascapes. She expressed joy in being able to appreciate Taiwan’s coastline with everyone.

Second Stop – Laomei Green Reef

Continuing along the North Coast, you’ll reach a community called “Laomei.” Here, you’ll find Taiwan’s only green reef coast known as “Laomei Green Reef.” What makes it special is that in April, as the northeast monsoon gradually subsides, the reef becomes covered with lush green seaweed, creating a breathtaking landscape known as the “Green Reef.”

Additionally, the local area offers a treat known as “石花凍” (Stone Flower Jelly), a delightful dessert. Our Japanese housemate mentioned that the taste of 石花凍 reminds her of a Japanese summer snack called “ところてん” (Tokoroten), with similar flavors. The difference lies in Japan’s practice of shaping it into noodle-like strips. The most popular way to enjoy it is by drizzling black vinegar, or combining it with bonito soy sauce and sesame. For those with a sweet tooth, you can also try it with a drizzle of black sugar syrup.

Third Stop – Jinshan Old Street


After leaving Laomei, they arrived at the highlight of today’s lunch itinerary – Jinshan Old Street. Jinshan is renowned for three must-try delicacies: crab, duck meat, and sweet potatoes. The Three-Point Crab and Seafood Congee are highly recommended here, which includes a whole crab in one bowl – delicious!

Speaking of sweet potatoes, our Korean housemate tried chatting with the sweet potato vendor in Taiwanese.
Housemate: 這地瓜金價賀甲嗎？ (Is this sweet potato really delicious?)
Surprisingly, they discovered that the Taiwanese pronunciation of “真的” (really) is quite similar to the Korean pronunciation, and they also found similarities in the pronunciation of other words like “圖書館” (library), “學生” (student), and “時間” (time). It was truly fascinating!

After savoring the delicious seafood congee, they visited Jinshan Temple Street. A notable feature here is the self-service duck meat and dishes, with the must-try items being duck meat and fried noodles!

After indulging in duck meat, they found red sweet potato ice cream on the old street, and of course, various fresh sweet potatoes for sale. Once they were full and satisfied, they strolled to the public foot bath at Huanggang Community in the back mountains of Jinshan, offering free hot spring foot baths. Enjoying the scenery and chatting with friends while soaking their feet was truly relaxing.

Unconsciously, dusk arrived, and they prepared to head to the next destination as the sun set in the west.

Fourth Stop – Zhongjiao Bay


After enjoying the foot bath, they headed to Zhongjiao Bay near Jinshan. This beach is known for its cleanliness and is a popular spot among surfing enthusiasts.

They played on the beach until evening. After the activities, hunger struck again, signaling it was time to head to the final destination of the day.

Final Stop – Keelung Temple Night Market


They chose Keelung Temple Night Market as the concluding destination for their North Coast journey. The entrance of the night market exuded a vibrant atmosphere with colorful flags, and on both sides were stalls offering a variety of delicious dishes, including braised pork rice, nutritious sandwiches, bubble ice, and more, waiting for everyone to explore.

After a day of fun and satisfaction, it was time to head home. The housemates had a happy and fulfilling day, looking forward to the next adventure!

Now, how do you get to these North Coast attractions? In addition to convenient public transportation, driving is an excellent choice for touring. Even if you don’t have a car, there’s no need to worry!

Zipcar: Car-Sharing Service

Starting from January 1, 2024, we are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Zipcar, providing exclusive car rental benefits for BORDERLESS HOUSE tenants. Whether you wish to roam freely or leisurely explore the beautiful North Coast, Zipcar is your ideal choice.

Benefit Highlights:


1. Receive $300 in Z Credits (Z Credits can only be applied towards rental fees, excluding other charges).
2. For Residents Registering as Zipcar Members in the First Three Months.

Enjoy complimentary access to premium membership perks, applicable to Zipcar Value Plan rates.
For more information, please refer to the official Zipcar website.

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【Important Information about Rent and Contracts】Before Reserving Your Room!

Dear tenants and those who are interested in our share house,

Since 2014, BORDERLESS HOUSE TAIWAN has been at the forefront of the share house movement, pioneering a space where diverse cultures converge. Our aim has always been to provide a platform for language and cultural exchange, fostering a rich multicultural community that thrives on global connections.

To all of you who have supported and contributed to this incredible international community, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. It’s your presence that has made this journey so remarkable.

In our commitment to deliver excellence, we’re making a few adjustments to our management systems and pricing. We believe these changes will further enhance the quality of service we offer to each and every one of you.

Here are the specifics of these adjustments.

Utility Fee

Summer  (May – October): 1,200 NTD
Winter  (November – April): 800 NTD

Inclusions:

●Bills: Water, Electricity, Gas, Management Fee, Wi-Fi, TV Channels

●Life support: Basic cleaning tools, kitchen wares, household appliances, A/C & washing machine cleaning (once a year)

Two types of contracts to suit your needs:

1. 【Flexible Contract】
– You can cancel the contract earlier (with a 30-day notice).

2. 【One-Year Contract】
– Contract termination before the agreed-upon duration is NOT possible.
– If you choose to leave earlier, the remaining rent will need to be settled.

Now, you have two pathways to begin your BORDERLESS HOUSE journey

▶ Starting with the Flexible Contract
(Transitioning to a One-Year Contract later incurs a 1,000 NTD fee. The new contract’s commencement aligns with the original one.)

This option is ideal for:
✓ Short-term stays in Taipei
✓ Language school students
✓ Interns in Taipei
✓ First-timers in a Share House setup
✓ New job entrants in Taipei
✓ The curious ones seeking the Share House experience

 

▶ Starting with the One-Year Contract
(From the second year onward, it transitions to a Flexible Contract with the option to cancel early.)

This option suits those who:
✓ Plan for a long-term stay in Taipei
✓ Are university students
✓ Have previous experience with Share House living
✓ Maintain a stable job in Taipei
✓ Embrace the Share House lifestyle

A life lived in a Share House becomes a tapestry of unforgettable memories. Whatever your plans in Taipei may be, we encourage you to take this chance. 

For any queries, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our tenants and we are eagerly awaiting your arrival, ready to hear and share your stories!

For more insights:

【What is Share House?】 BLOG
【Find your share house】 House Locations
【How’s the share house life?】 INSTAGRAM

 

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Partnership｜BORDERLESS HOUSE × Global Overseas Education

Global Overseas Education

Global Overseas Education was founded in 1990 as a language school offering specialized courses in English, Japanese and Korean. In addition to language courses, they also offer a variety of other services. For example, they provide admissions counseling services, introduce Korean universities and language schools to international students, and offer a variety of experiential activities to give them a deeper understanding of local traditions and modern culture.

Experience the authentic Korean culture

< Living in Korea for a month >
1. Fee: USD 3,000
2. Course Description:
    face-to-face 1:1 lecture, 2 classes per week (50 minutes per class).
    The course is adapted to the student’s Korean level, even beginners can easily get started.
3. Accommodation provided:
    Single room suites, fully furnished with air conditioner, refrigerator, microwave, etc., located in the hottest area of Korea, Bucun.
4. Learn different Korean culture every week, including Korean traditional music, traditional art, K-Pop dance, crafts and TV station visits.
5. Airport pick-up service (only upon arrival)
6. Local people will introduce various local delicious food.
● Individual activities such as admission to the royal palace, musical concert, temple stay, hanok experience, DMZ, kimchi making experience, etc. will be charged separately.
●Transportation and tour guide fees will be charged separately.

< Living in Korea for a week > 
1. Fee: USD 1,000
2. Course Description:
    face-to-face 1:1 lecture, 2 classes (50 minutes per class).
    The course is adapted to the student’s Korean level, even beginners can easily get started.
3. Accommodation provided:
    Single room suites, fully furnished with air conditioner, refrigerator, microwave, etc., located in the hottest area of Korea, Bucun.
4. Learn different Korean culture, including Korean traditional music, traditional art, K-Pop dance, crafts (only choose one) and TV station visits.
5. Airport pick-up service (only upon arrival)
6. Local people will introduce various local delicious food.
● Individual activities such as admission to the royal palace, musical concert, temple stay, hanok experience, DMZ, kimchi making experience, etc. will be charged separately.
●Transportation and tour guide fees will be charged separately.

< 2 nights and 3 days in Korea > USD 500
1. Fee: USD 500
2. Course Description:
    face-to-face 1:1 lecture, 50 minutes.
    The course is adapted to the student’s Korean level, even beginners can easily get started.
3. Accommodation provided plus the breakfast with sandwiches :
    Single room suites, fully furnished with air conditioner, refrigerator, microwave, etc., located in the hottest area of Korea, Bucun.
4. Learning Korean Culture: Once (K-Pop Dance, Craft)
5. Airport pick-up service (only upon arrival)
6. Local people will introduce various local delicious food.
● Individual activities such as admission to the royal palace, musical concert, temple stay, hanok experience, DMZ, kimchi making experience, etc. will be charged separately.
●Transportation and tour guide fees will be charged separately.

Room’s pictures

Courses related photos

(K-pop Dance Course, Korean Traditional Art Course, Korean Traditional Music Course)

Contact Info

Company: Global Overseas Education 
Director: 金惠泳 KIM, Hye Young
Address: Rm. 201, Deoksoo B/D, 636-25 Yeoksam-Dong, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06130 ,S. Korea (Post code:06130)
Tel: No. : +82-2-555-5332 / Mobile # : +82-10-3209-5271
Website: www.globaluhak.co.kr
E-mail : moonfeel1999@naver.com

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We are Social Business – BORDERLESS HOUSE

Do you know that Borderless House is a “Social Business”?

Perhaps I should have asked – Have you heard of Social Business? 

In general, it refers to a company or a business that tries to create value or impact society in a positive way by offering a service or a product that meets the needs or by presenting new solutions to challenges brought on by society.

And there are more and more people talking about it around the world, actually, you can also find some TED TALK videos talking about it too! 

Even though “Social Business” is a term that you should know, it may sound a little complicated. But don’t worry, let me clearly explain it in a simpler way below.

What is Social Business

The phrase ”Social Business” refers to a brand of entrepreneurship rooted in funding or implementing solutions to cultural, social, or environmental problems. 

Image credit: Devon Bunce/Digital Storytellers

Social Business seeks to maximize profits while maximizing benefits to society and the environment, and the profits are principally used to fund social programs.

The key traits and characteristics of Social Business

• The primary aim is to address a social problem
• It is financially self-sufficient
• It does not pay dividends to its owners
• It is guided by how its operations benefit the causes and communities of interest

What’s the difference between social business and regular business

Maximizing profits is not the primary goal of a social business as is with a traditional business – What sets a social business apart from a traditional business is that while the traditional business’s ultimate goal is to create wealth, the social business seeks to create lasting societal change.

What’s the difference between social business and non-profit organization

Unlike a non-profit, a social business is not dependent on donations or on private or public grants to survive, and to operate it is self-sustainable. While non-profit organizations where funds are spent only once on the field, funds in a social business are invested to increase and improve the business operations on the field on an indefinite basis.

Why is Social Business Important

Now, let’s go a little bit in-depth to see why social business is important, especially in our society and globally.

  • Social businesses have the potential to change society and the world.

As social business concentrates on developing, financially backing, and executing ideas that contribute to finding solutions for social, cultural, and environmental concerns, it can make a huge impact on our life, in a positive way – and that’s why social businesses are much-needed, considering the times that we’re living in. The vision of a social business is usually social well-being related and a broader idea to excel as a community.

So social business is also a business that gets everyone in the world involved. People say that change-makers are those who take creative actions to solve social problems for the good of all – and this is who we are.

‘Creator’ of Multicultural Society – BORDERLESS HOUSE

So, for Borderless House, the social problem that we aim to solve with our business is – Prejudice and Discrimination.

We aim to build relationships among people with different backgrounds, such as different nationalities, races, and religions, and gather them together to live under the same roof in our share houses.

There are not only benefits but also conflicts sometimes when living in a mixed-culture environment. However, by sharing thoughts and feelings from time to time with each other, people can build a strong relationship in which we can understand other cultures and perspectives deeply.

Creating such a connection is the greatest value of BORDERLESS HOUSE.

The goal of our business is to create a multicultural society where people can mutually understand each other’s background regardless of race or nationality, and without prejudice or discrimination.

Our Vision

As more and more foreigners are settling in Japan, and it is important that there are places where they can live in peace and harmony. We believe that this solution which gathers people from around the world to live in a share house together is essential in a multicultural society.

As a ‘creator’ of Multicultural Society, we hope to accelerate the creation of an ideal society and to provide more people with opportunities for international living experiences, we aim to keep expanding our business and keep offering and creating opportunities for In-depth international exchange.

Planting the seeds of world peace is our mission and we welcome you to be a part of BORDERLESS HOUSE.

 

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Language Exchange｜How should I prepare for Language Exchange and practice speaking?

Do you want to practice your speaking skills for free through “Language Exchange” and meet new foreign friends, but don’t know where to start preparing? Or have you tried “Language Exchange” before, but after encountering some difficulties in the process, and you just left it at that?

Then this article on language exchange prep will help you a lot!

What is Language Exchange?

Language Exchange is a reciprocal activity in which you practice the language that you are learning by chatting with a native speaker or someone who is fluent in that language. In addition, to quickly improve your speaking skills, you can also learn cultural knowledge not found in textbooks and make new friends, which is a great way to kill two birds with one stone.

Am I a good candidate for language exchange?

When you want to practice a language through Language Exchange, here are some tips you can check to see if you are a good candidate.

1) What is your purpose? Do you really want to practice the language? Or do you just want to meet foreign friends?

Because Language Exchange is not mandatory, there must be a strong motivation to learn each other’s language in order to be sustainable.

2) How is your language ability?

Usually, I suggest that it is better to have at least a daily conversation level, so that you can correct and improve your speech step by step during the conversation. Otherwise, it is easy to keep speaking only one language with each other.

3) Do you like to interact with people?

In fact, Language Exchange is also a kind of meeting internet friend activity, whether online or face-to-face, the first meeting will inevitably be awkward. So before participating in Language Exchange, you can ask yourself, do you want to meet a new stranger? Will you be curious about your partner?

What to prepare before Language Exchange?

The preparation content will vary depending on the length of time you work with your language partner, and is divided into early and late stages：

Early-stage：

1) Confirm meeting time and language appointment (1 hour of full Chinese conversation, 1 hour of full foreign language conversation). And set an alarm before you start so that you don’t forget to change the language when you’re having too much fun conversation.

2) Usually, the first meeting is just about introducing yourself, why are you learning this language? What are your hobbies? Where have you traveled to? What kind of music do you prefer? Basically, it’s the same as a blind date, in the process of talking to each other to find out what you have in common and whether we have a mutual connection because this part will also affect the subsequent contact.

Late-stage：

When you get to know your partner better, you will gradually start to run out of topics to talk about, so it is very important to prepare some beforehand.

1) Note down any problems of language learning that you have, such as being unsure how to translate a sentence or whether there is a more authentic way to say it. You can also bring your own textbooks or assignments and discuss your questions together.

2) If you have a grammatical problem, try not to ask a native speaker, because they usually don’t know how to explain it, either. Unless the partner major in linguistics, otherwise a lot of time will be wasted trying to explain grammar.

3) Share something interesting that happened recently, or any interesting articles, news, videos, cultural differences or interesting topics to discuss. It is better to have questions with a little depth, such as environmental protection or social issues, so that you can practice expressing your own ideas, and hear the results of your partner’s opinions from different perspectives.

4) Write an exchange diary! Language Exchange is not only to practice speaking, writing is also a very important part of it. You can write a short article about your reading experience or a movie afterthought. Gradually your writing skills will be greatly improved without you even realizing it!

5) Let’s hang out together! Hiking, movies, museums, whatever you and your friends like to do, invite your language partner to go with you as well! Since you’re going out together, you don’t have to be too strict about which language you speak for how long, so just switch between them! Be flexible!

6) Register for the language test and get certified! You can practice for the content of the exam, with specific topics and sentence patterns. When you are under pressure, you will be more prepared for each Language Exchange!

What should I pay attention to during Language Exchange?

1) When introducing to each other, observe the language level of your partner and adjust your speaking speed according to the language level, pronouncing your words as clearly and standardly as possible.

2) When practicing the language, instead of expressing yourself in your native language, ask more questions so that your partner can answer his/her thoughts more often. For example: Why? What do you think? What would you do?…etc. Try to use these questions often.

3) Use the cloud notepad to record words or sentences during the meeting, so that you can easily re-read them afterward.

Where can I find a Language Exchange partner?

Nowadays there are many ways to find language exchange partners, through mobile apps, websites, or by staying in a multicultural share house.

APP& Website recommendation：

1) Hello Talk: You can send texts, voice messages, voice calling, and video calling, and you can also help each other fix sentences, translate, and other auxiliary functions. You can also upload pictures and short articles. The overall function is very similar to Instagram.

2) Tandem: It is very similar to the function of HelloTalk, except that this app will actively send the notification about the info of other members to increase the chance of matching.

3) HiNative: It is a Q&A platform where you can ask questions about grammar, wording differences, or articles, and there are usually enthusiastic answers from native speakers.

4) BORDERLESS HOUSE: It is a multicultural share house with locals and they also organize a variety of events and provide free Language Exchange opportunities from time to time.

BORDERLESS HOUSE is an international, multicultural share house with locals. There are 17 houses in Taipei City and overseas branches in Tokyo, Osaka(Japan), and Seoul(South Korea).

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Event | Making Tang Yuan on Winter Solstice

Cold and freezing winter is coming!

Isn’t it a perfect season to eat Tang Yuan?

Today we are going to review our winter event, Making Tang Yuan with BORDERLESS HOUSE. Not only learning Taiwanese traditional culture, but also enjoying the vibe of winter.

What is Winter Solstice?

Winter solstice: There are 24 solar terms in a year and winter solstice is one of the most important among all. It is also called, Rì Duǎn, which means a short day. The sun travels around the southern regression line on this day, so the days are shortest and the nights are longest in the northern hemisphere. After this day, it also means that real winter is coming in the northern hemisphere.

What do we eat on Winter Solstice?

Tang Yuan that we eat is also called “Dōng Jié Yuán” or ” Yuan Zī ” in the traditional way. The family will gather together and rub the glutinous rice dough into different sizes of balls on the eve of winter solstice.

Normally these Tang Yuan are available in sweet, salty, large, and small sizes. Nowadays, there are various kinds of Tang Yuan with a variety of fillings on the market. But in our tradition, it is usually red or white in color, filled with peanuts or sesame.

In Taiwan, we have all known to have Tang Yuan on winter solstice since we were young. “After eating Tang Yuan, you grow one year older!” After leaving home, eating Tang Yuan on the winter solstice seems to be a must. To have a bowl of sweet Tang Yuan with friends, roommates, or colleagues, give a warm feeling and brings a touch of warmth to the cold winter.

Actually, it is not difficult to make Tang Yuan! Just need to prepare glutinous rice flour and water, mix them into a dough, rub them into small round balls. If you want to have different colors, then just prepare some pumpkin powder, matcha powder, coffee powder, or tomato powder. Not only create the ideal shape but also eat healthier.

(The two cute Tang Yuan were based on our staff and made by one of our tenants.)

Our tenants were all creative and produce their own one-of-a-kind Tang Yuan. Then ate them all! Winter solstice is according to the lunar calendar, it is also closed to Christmas. So we could see some works related to Christmas. It was quite interesting!

Winter is really right for this kind of warm feeling! If you have any activities or ideas that you would like to participate in, please feel free to share them with us! Let BORDERLESS HOUSE provide more and more great events in the future!