Esteban Kusguen Saldarriaga

Falling in Love with Taiwan

In one sentence, I would describe Taiwan as the nicest country in the world. I chose to study in Taiwan after a trip that left me enamored with the country. The friendliness of the people and the affordability of living and studying here were key factors in my decision to return for college.

Studying Sociology at Soochow University

Initially, I wanted to study anthropology but ended up choosing sociology, a closely related field. Studying in Taipei was important to me for convenience and resources. Soochow University’s Department of Sociology, the only school in Taipei with an open application when I needed it, offers a comprehensive mix of practical and theoretical courses. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my classes and am grateful for the connections I’ve made with classmates, professors, and others.

As a sociology student who has learned Mandarin, I believe my time in Taiwan will help me build global connections and become a more internationally-minded individual. I plan to stay in Taiwan after graduation. I love this country and see a thriving future for myself here. I’m eager to see where my journey in Taiwan will lead me.

Greatest Challenge & Achievement: Mastering Mandarin

My greatest achievement has been mastering the Mandarin language. Though initially challenging, my fluency and confidence in using Mandarin to communicate have improved remarkably due to my immersive environment. Likewise, the biggest challenge was the language barrier. Communicating in a non-native language is tough, but I’ve managed to overcome this obstacle.

Life Outside the Classroom

I’m an outdoorsy person and enjoy spending time with friends experiencing new things. We often go out to watch movies, exercise, eat, and play board games together.

I’d say that Taroko Gorge is my favorite place in Taiwan. Its stunning landscapes and the cultural richness of the Hualien area, especially the indigenous people, make it an incredibly beautiful and enlightening place to visit.

Sharing My Taiwan Experience

I tell my family and friends that coming to Taiwan is probably the best decision I’ve made. The international exposure, the kindness of the people, and the overall experience have been incredibly fulfilling. So, I would say that people who are curious, enjoy challenges, love exploring new experiences, and are adaptable and flexible would benefit immensely from studying in Taiwan.

Educational Comparison: Taiwan vs. Home Country

Studying in my home country offered more personalized teaching due to smaller class sizes, and learning in my native language is always easier. In contrast, Taiwan’s larger class sizes present a different dynamic, and studying in a foreign language adds an extra layer of challenge.