Fellicia Gondokusumo

Drawn to Taiwan’s Rich Culture

To me, Taiwan is a place of authenticity, rich in culture. I have had an interest in Taiwan’s culture and the use of traditional Chinese character. The food, especially traditional street fare like stinky tofu and Taiwanese fried chicken, captivated me during my holiday visits. That’s why my favorite place in Taiwan is the Shilin night market in Taipei, a vibrant hub of local life and cuisine. My weekends are usually spent exploring night markets, malls, and bookstores with friends. We often embark on culinary adventures after classes, further enriching my Taiwanese experience.

Choosing NKUHT for Culinary Arts

I chose NKUHT, renowned for its faculty in Taiwan, to pursue a degree in international culinary arts. This program offers diverse culinary experiences, including Taiwanese, Western, Chinese cuisines, baking, and pastry. The Chinese cooking class has been particularly enlightening, introducing me to ingredients unknown in my home country.

The greatest achievement in my Taiwanese education journey isn’t just the culinary knowledge, but also the cultural lessons. Adopting the local values of taking duty seriously and adhering to schedules has influenced me profoundly. The primary challenge in Taiwan has been communication due to my basic Mandarin skills. However, NKUHT’s Mandarin language classes, ranging from basic to advanced levels, have been instrumental in improving my proficiency.

Sharing the Benefits of Studying in Taiwan

I tell my family and friends about the independence I’ve gained in Taiwan and the kindness of locals who have actively helped me learn Mandarin. I believe that proficiency in English and Mandarin is crucial in today’s world. Studying in Taiwan is significantly enhancing my language skills, which will be a considerable asset in my future career.

Ideal Candidates for Studying in Taiwan

Those who thrive in Taiwan are individuals willing to step out of their comfort zone and embrace open-mindedness. It’s an ideal destination for the culturally curious, especially given Taiwan’s diverse international population.

Educational Comparisons

Comparatively, my home country lacks universities with international partnerships or comprehensive degree programs in culinary arts. Taiwan, therefore, offers a more advanced and diverse educational environment in this field.

I plan to stay in Taiwan for a few more years before returning to my home country to start my own business. The experience and knowledge I’m gaining here are pivotal to my entrepreneurial goals.