Romaine Parker

Choosing Taiwan's Affordable Quality Education

I chose to study in Taiwan due to its international ties with my country, St. Lucia. The opportunities to further your studies after high school in St. Lucia are limited and expensive. In contrast, Taiwan offers more affordable education, the opportunity of learning Mandarin, lower living expenses, and numerous other smaller reasons that influenced my decision to study here.

Before arriving in Taiwan, my Chinese was limited to basic greetings. Intense Chinese training in Taipei and remedial courses at NCKU have significantly improved my fluency. My goal is to become indistinguishable from a local, and I am excited to continue advancing my language skills.

Pursuing Chemical Engineering

My decision to study chemical engineering was influenced by a family member who is in the same field. The endless work possibilities in this discipline provide a freedom of career choice that I highly value. However, I must mention that chemical engineering at NCKU is challenging and demands more credits to graduate than most places, requiring ample preparation before committing to the program.

The freedom to travel safely across the island is what I love most about living in Taiwan. Yet, the greatest challenge I face is academia; studying chemical engineering is extremely demanding. It's important to remember that things don't necessarily get easier, but we get better at handling them.

Life in Taiwan

Yule Street on campus is my favorite spot because it offers a variety of foods from different regions and cultures. I have a sweet tooth, and Tainan's reputation for sweet foods has lived up to my expectations, with Yule Street satisfying my cravings.

Apart from academics, I enjoy spending time with friends, some of whom have been in Taiwan for many years, while others are newer like me but from different cities. We often engage in activities in Tainan or explore the natural beauty of Taiwan, a country with an abundance of nature and outdoor activities.

"Studying in Taiwan is a must"

"Studying in Taiwan is a must" is what I answered when asked my Taiwan expereience. I firmly believe Taiwan is the best place to study because of the manageable lifestyle, the warmth of its people, and the lack of a language barrier for survival. The local people's fluency in English is sufficient to allow for easy socialization and living, making Taiwan my top recommendation for anyone considering study in Asia.

Post-graduation, I am open to staying in Taiwan if the right job opportunity arises. Despite personal complications that may necessitate leaving, I intend to return and possibly start a business with a local friend. I don't wish to leave what I consider a hidden gem: Taiwan is a treasure, a "cheat code" to a fulfilling life, and my ultimate destination.