Rocksun Mathurin

Academic Journey and Program Choice

In 2017, when a relative studying in Taiwan shared the ITM curriculum, it was love at first sight. The ITM courses seemed very interesting, leading to the decision to attend NKUHT and join the ITM program. Scholarship was another reason for choosing Taiwan, having been honored to receive a full scholarship from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in 2019. Also, professional courses offered at the ITM are instructed in English, providing a platform for both international and domestic students.

I especially love my department and the courses being taught at ITM especially by the international teachers namely Dr. Peace from Thailand, Dr. Leo from Mexico, Dr. Erhan from Turkey, and Dr. Mark from the United Kingdom. Their different styles of teaching and teaching materials have made me fall in love with ITM. Also, because of (the Taiwan higher education) the courses at this department, I became a tourism professional that I am proud of. 

My department is a boiling pot of cultures and nationalities.  (At NKUHT) This diversity has enhanced our learning and understanding of the world. Each of us bring different ways of thinking to the table. Together, we solve challenging issues and create innovative ideas for class projects.

Language Learning and Personal Growth

Before arriving in Taiwan, Mandarin was completely foreign - not even basic phrases like 你好 or 謝謝 were known. The scholarship required attending Mandarin courses for one year, which developed reading and writing skills. While studying in the English-based ITM program, many General Education courses were taught in Mandarin, which improved listening and speaking skills. Then after only 2 years and 10 months of learning Mandarin,  I was able to do my internship at a fully Mandarin-speaking department where 99% of the information is communicated in Mandarin. I'm very proud of myself.

Taiwan offered many first-time experiences, including learning to ride a bike and scooter, visiting amusement parks, solo traveling, and planning events. The department became a boiling pot of cultures and nationalities, enhancing learning and understanding of the world. Different ways of thinking contributed to solving challenging issues and creating innovative ideas for class projects.

While language was a challenge, it wasn't the most significant one. Being a person of color presented unique difficulties, including being touched, stared at, laughed at, made fun of, and isolated. A life-changing internship helped in realizing that I am beautiful and made in the image of God, leading to the ability to maintain dignity regardless of others' actions or comments.

Life in Taiwan

The stairs leading to the cafeteria hold special significance. During freshman year, morning cleaning sessions there provided space for thinking and making tough decisions during challenging times. The pavilion seats with flowers behind the C building became a cherished spot for solitude, self-reflection, and enjoying beautiful views.

Church families in Taipei, Taoyuan, and Kaohsiung provided incredible connections. Learning the ukulele since December 2020 became a new skill. The summer of 2023 was dedicated to bringing the St. Lucian community closer together through organized gatherings. Friends and department professors became like family, offering support during emergencies. Cooking and baking bread became enjoyable activities that brought back memories of home.

Future Aspirations

I am fascinated with the Tourism industry in Taiwan. It is drastically different from the tourism industry in my region. In Taiwan, there is a high percentage of domestic travelers. Taiwanese visit their own local tourist attractions. I would recommend my friends and family to visit sites based on their specific interests. There is a plethora or different types of tourism here, for example, food tourism, historical tourism, and aboriginal tourism, any many more. We can mix and match any types of tourism to create the perfect experience.

Post-graduation plans in Taiwan include advocating for Caribbean culture, especially St. Lucian culture, through food and educational videos. There's a desire to educate people about diversity, particularly that not all Black people are from Africa.