Robert Ahr

Choosing Taiwan: A Leap into a New Culture

Before deciding on Taiwan, I really wanted to embrace the whole experience of studying abroad and dive into a completely new culture. I hadn't been to Asia before, so it was a tough call between South Korea and Taiwan. Ultimately, it came down to a gut feeling. Taiwan's leading role in the semiconductor industry caught my interest, given its economic significance. The country's commitment to liberal democracy was another big plus for me. And of course, I couldn't overlook the incredible natural landscapes Taiwan has to offer. So, all things considered, Taiwan just felt like the right choice.

Taipei Tech: The Ideal Academic Fit

Choosing the National Taipei University of Technology for my exchange year was a straightforward decision, mainly because it's one of the Taiwanese partner universities affiliated with my home university in Germany, which streamlined the application process for me. Additionally, Taipei Tech stands out for its extensive range of English-taught courses that align perfectly with my major, allowing me to continue focusing on my core subjects while abroad. This combination of academic compatibility and ease of transition made Taipei Tech the ideal choice for my studies in Taiwan.

I have a couple of favorite spots on campus where I like to hang out. Sitting on a bench in front of the library is one of my go-to places, especially when the weather's nice and I can enjoy some sunshine. It's even better with a bubble tea in hand, which I usually grab from the food court beforehand. After my classes are done for the day, you'll often find me either at the university's boulder hall, getting in some climbing, or studying in the library.

While I haven't joined any clubs in Taiwan, I've remained actively involved as a board member of a political youth organization back in Germany, and I'm also a member of the student parliament at my home university. Additionally, I've been given the chance to work on my bachelor's thesis remotely, collaborating with a department at my home university, which is helping me progress towards completing my degree.

Overcoming Challenges: Communication and Climate

Before coming to Taiwan, I didn't speak any Mandarin. In my first semester, I enrolled in a beginner's Mandarin course, which helped me pick up the basics for simple conversations. Now, in my second semester, I've decided not to continue with the Mandarin classes so I can focus more on my other courses and my thesis work. Learning Mandarin, given its complexity, alongside regular studies has been quite challenging. That's why I'm thinking about returning for six months after completing my bachelor's degree, with the sole focus on improving my Mandarin skills.

When traveling outside of Taipei, I sometimes find it challenging to communicate with locals. However, this rarely becomes a significant issue, as people are generally friendly and understanding, especially when I make an effort to speak Mandarin. For most situations, translation apps are a handy solution and make things much easier. Another challenge I face is related to the weather; the quick shifts between hot and cold temperatures, coupled with high humidity, mean I tend to catch colds more frequently.

The Best of Taiwan: A Perfect Balance of Study and Life

What I love most about my time in Taiwan is the variety each day brings. Academically, I'm fortunate to have fantastic professors who deliver engaging content, allowing me to advance in my studies significantly. Beyond academics, I appreciate having enough free time to truly immerse myself in what Taiwan has to offer. From exploring the country's beautiful landscapes to forming friendships with locals and indulging in exotic cuisine, the balance between study and life here is just perfect.

In my free time, I love to go running, either in Daan Park or through the Zhongshan district. It's a great way to clear my mind and stay active. Apart from that, I'm really impressed by the incredible natural landscapes Taiwan has to offer. Places like Taroko National Park and Yangmingshan National Park are just breathtaking, and I try to explore them whenever I can. I've also developed a bit of a passion for playing pool. It's become a fun hobby to meet up with friends. Plus, visiting night markets is another favorite pastime: they're vibrant, lively, and full of delicious food and interesting finds.

Cultural Immersion: Festivals, Food, and Friendships

I'm totally obsessed with Taiwanese culture, especially the majestic temples hidden away in the mountains and the charming ones that can be found in the most unlikely places in the city. Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to join in the celebrations of the Moon Festival and Lunar New Year with my Taiwanese friends. Being welcomed into these significant national festivities was an incredibly heartwarming experience I hadn't anticipated. As for the food, it's simply fantastic here. Apart from missing German bread, there's really nothing I crave from back home. I adore wandering through night markets, sampling new delicacies. The best part is there's always a new dish to discover. Moreover, I appreciate the orderly lifestyle in Taipei. Small practices, like standing to the right on escalators, queuing up for the MRT, and the general courteous behavior, make daily life here exceptionally pleasant!

Recommending Taiwan: Natural Beauty and Urban Charm

When it comes to recommending Taiwan, I've actually had quite an impact. Not only did my parents and two friends come to visit for a week, but I also inspired my sister to choose Taiwan for her exchange semester. One of the standout highlights for me, beyond the vibrant cityscapes of Taipei, has to be Taroko National Park. Its breathtaking canyons and pristine natural beauty are simply unforgettable. I always suggest to anyone coming here to rent a scooter and take the scenic route along the Coastal Highway from Yilan to Hualien. The panoramic views of the ocean and cliffs along this drive are absolutely spectacular!

Future Prospects: Bridging Taiwan and Germany

I've genuinely enjoyed my time in Taiwan so much that I can definitely see myself working here for a bit after graduation. The main hurdle right now is my inability to learn the language properly, given my current workload. However, as I've mentioned before, I'm considering returning for a six-month intensive Mandarin language course to overcome this barrier. If that plan doesn't pan out, I'm also open to the idea of working for a Taiwanese company back in Germany. For instance, TSMC is setting up a factory near my hometown, which could present a great opportunity.