Jiwon Byoun

Choosing Taiwan: Personal Background and Motivation

Having spent nine years of childhood in Taiwan, returning for university studies was a natural choice. After considering expenses, cost, and distance from Korea, I decided to come to study in Taiwan. I also believe Mandarin will be a crucial language in the future. These early years in Taiwan created a strong foundation, enabling basic conversational skills in Mandarin that would later prove valuable during university life.

Academic Journey at National Taiwan University

I've always had an interest in building things, and I want to help others through the skills I have. Coupled that with the excellent reputation of National Taiwan University led to my choice of the civil engineering program at NTU. One particularly memorable experience was the Keystone B class, which involved building an earthquake-resistant tower. Though challenging and time-intensive, this project provided valuable insights into teamwork and practical engineering applications, offering a glimpse into future professional life. Also, my Mandarin has improved while staying in Taiwan. I have learned several phrases that the Taiwanese use and had become a little bit more like a native speaker.

Campus Life and Favorite Spots

The NTU campus offers numerous beloved locations, with the Drunken Moon Lake standing out as a particular favorite. This serene spot provides a perfect setting for relaxation and observing wildlife. The Royal Palm Boulevard is another cherished location, especially during sunset when cycling through offers stunning views of the changing sky colors. The campus environment is enhanced by modern facilities, including newly constructed buildings with excellent study spaces and the beautiful Koo Chen-Fu Memorial Library.

Daily Life and Activities

Life in Taiwan extends beyond academics, filled with various activities and experiences. Sports play a significant role, particularly badminton and soccer, along with evening jogs on the university track. Also, there are various kinds of food around campus. For example, beef noodle store, Hong Hong-style fried rice store, and also lots of healthy lunch box store. Due to the cheap prices, I was able to try on many restaurants.

The campus is also quite nice to hang around. Newly built campus building has wonderful places to study and sit around. Next to the Drunken moon lake there are little grass hills for picnics. Also, the view in front of the main library is always great (especially at sunset). At night, we can also watch the stars in front of the library. Besides the main library, the Koo Chen-Fu Memorial Library is also beautiful. 

Exploration of Taiwan through travel and food discovery has become a favorite pastime.

Academic Challenges and Adaptation

Studying alongside Taiwan's most competitive students presents significant academic challenges. However, these challenges are met through diligent preparation and strong support from friendships formed within the university community. Even though the programs are difficult, my friends offer great help to my academic performance. These relationships have proven crucial for both personal and academic growth, demonstrating the importance of building connections while studying abroad.

Future Prospects and Career Aspirations

My post-graduation plans include potentially remaining in Taiwan to pursue career opportunities, particularly through the NTU Mentorship Internship Program. I have specific interest in construction and technology companies, with applications submitted to organizations like Atlas Copco. The goal is to gain practical engineering experience while continuing to immerse in Taiwanese culture and professional environment. I think I would learn a lot and gain precious experience through those companies.

Overall Experience

The experience of studying in Taiwan has been truly life-changing. The combination of safe environment, affordable living costs, convenient lifestyle, and strong academic programs makes Taiwan an excellent choice for international studies. The unique aspects of Taiwanese culture, from night markets to café streets, add to the rich experience of studying abroad in this vibrant country.