Chutikarn Prasertsrithong

Attracted to Taiwanese Culture

My interest in Taiwanese culture began with a family visit to Taiwan, leading me to believe that this developed country would be the perfect place to enhance my life-long skills and gain engineering experience.

In a single sentence, Taiwan to me is the country that beautifully combines tradition with modernity. I find every local street and corner in Taiwan fascinating.

The IATP Program & Life Outside the Classroom

Selecting an international engineering program was a challenge, but the International Advanced Technology Program (IATP) at Taiwan Tech stood out with its multicultural environment and extracurricular activities. The genuine and kind approach of Ms. Irene, our program’s secretary, made me feel welcomed and appreciated.

IATP is an English-taught program offering majors in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, material science, and civil engineering. Students can choose their major after their first semester. The program has partnerships with international universities like UNSW in Australia and offers a unique five-year IATP x MBA program. Scholarships and extracurricular activities are also part of the experience. What I admire most about the program is the hospitality of the staff and mentors. As one of the few civil engineering students, I enjoy the smaller class sizes, which foster interaction and understanding. The program’s practical approach, including field trips for my engineering geology class, has greatly enhanced my learning.

I spend my free time exploring Taiwan, trying new cuisines, and visiting nature attractions. The public transportation system makes it easy to experience the island’s diverse beauty.

My Greatest Achievements and Overcoming Challenges

Stepping out of my comfort zone and balancing my personal and academic life have been my greatest achievements in Taiwan. The most challenging moment was dealing with my grandmother’s passing away during my semester. Thanks to the support from Vivian, our program’s secretary, and my professors, I managed to navigate this difficult time.

Sharing My Taiwanese Experience

I always share with my family and friends back home about Taiwan’s efficient public transportation, delicious street foods, the people’s lifestyle, and the stunning natural attractions.

Taiwan is ideal for anyone seeking a unique blend of ancient culture and advanced technology. The country’s development makes it an excellent choice for students in any field.

Future Career Benefits from Studying in Taiwan

Studying in Taiwan has provided me with language skills, cultural insights, and practical experiences, like working as a TA and participating in international projects. These experiences have enhanced my open-mindedness, global awareness, and time management skills, preparing me for a successful career.

I plan to continue learning Mandarin and take more business-related Mandarin courses. Being fluent in Mandarin will significantly benefit my career in the international field.

Comparing Taiwanese and
Thai Education Systems

Though I haven’t studied at a university in Thailand, from what I’ve heard from friends and relatives, there are distinct differences. In Thailand, the emphasis on collective activities strengthens student bonds, while in Taiwan, there’s more individual creativity. The quality of education in both countries is high, but the teaching styles and campus environments differ, with Taiwan excelling in effective space management and Thailand offering more spacious campuses.