Dick Hansel Ryan

The Appeal of Studying in Taiwan

I chose to study in Taiwan for a variety of reasons. Taiwan has reasonable living expenses, and I would have the opportunity to immerse myself in Mandarin by interacting with my Taiwanese classmates and the chance to learn other languages through exchanges with international students.

I had studied Mandarin for 12 years before arriving in Taiwan, as it was a compulsory subject in school. However, it wasn’t until I came to Taiwan that I began using Mandarin in everyday conversations, which has greatly enhanced my proficiency.

I chose NCU because of their scholarship program for international students as well as the environment and facilities they offer for students to use. Aside from that, NCU is one of the top universities in Taiwan where a lot of top academic research had been published.

My favorite spot at NCU is the observatory deck near the main entrance. I personally love to sit there and relax after a long day or week just to see Zhongli district from uphill. I especially like it during sunset and at night when the sky is clear and moon is bright, making it a perfect place to reminisce about what I’ve achieved so far and what I should do next.

Overcoming Academic Hurdles

The greatest challenge for me is achieving my academic goal. My undergraduate study was in information management, which is not necessarily related to computer science, my current graduate study program. The way I overcome this challenge is by discussing with professors about my struggle and also by learning more new information in classes and online.

What I Love About Taiwan: Safety and Transport

I love Taiwan’s convenient transportation and safety the most. Taiwan offers various public transportation options, including U-bike, MRT, buses, train, and high-speed rail. They are affordable for students, and I’d recommend trying each of them at least once. 

Another thing to take note is Taiwan’s safety, as most of the people are honest and will not steal your belongings when it’s lost or being left in public areas. As an international student, it is reassuring to know that the chance of getting a lost item back is pretty big if I lose an item on public transportation, as lost belongings are often brought to the authority.

Immersing in Taiwanese Culture and Engaging in Meaningful Projects

During my time in Taiwan, I’ve participated in several impactful activities. A highlight was the Hands Together project, where I and other international students worked with Taiwanese high school students to teach English through interactive games, fostering cultural and language exchanges. Another activity I did during my bachelor study was participating in the dragon boat competition with fellow international students to celebrate the anniversary of Ming Chuan University's Kinmen Campus. It was really fun to engage and experience local culture with fellow students who had never experienced something similar in their home country.

Experiencing Taiwanese festivals has been a highlight of my time here, with the Dragon Boat Festival and Moon Festival standing out. Watching the dragon boat competition and eating moon cake with friends reminds me of my family back home that couldn’t celebrate the feast together with me due to distance. The festive BBQs are a must-try for every international student, offering a unique way to bond with friends who have become like a second family in Taiwan.

I am passionate about sports, particularly basketball, badminton, and football. I make it a point to play sports at least once a week, whether on weekends or during free time on weekdays. Aside from that, I also like to travel and to get to new places in Taiwan (mostly mountains and national parks) as it is a must to try new things and to experience it yourself.

I would strongly recommend Taiwan for its breathtaking landscapes and well-preserved historical sites. Each region, from the Taroko Gorge in Hualien to the scenic mountain ranges in Nantou, offers unique natural beauty. Taiwan’s dedication to preserving its history is evident in the many free-entry museums, which provide a deep understanding of the island’s heritage and development as an independent nation.

Looking Ahead: Post-Graduation Plans

After graduation, I plan to work in Taiwan for a while to gain valuable professional experience. Depending on how things unfold, I may decide to stay in Taiwan for a few more years or explore opportunities elsewhere.