Alif Nur Prabowo

Academic Opportunities and Choice of Major

Taiwan offers a range of scholarships, including full, partial, or tuition waivers. The country is known for its safe environment, developed status, and friendly, humble attitude towards international students. This, coupled with excellent educational support, including adequate facilities and skilled teachers, particularly influenced my decision to study here. My choice of major, Mechanical Engineering in Industrial Engineering and Management, was an extension of my previous studies. The school’s good academic reputation and promising scholarship schemes attracted me. I particularly enjoy the technical calculations in my studies, which require considering various aspects to achieve effectiveness and efficiency.

Cultural and Language Adaptation

A significant achievement for me in Taiwan has been gradually learning to communicate in Mandarin, despite its complexity and varying pronunciations. I regularly practice Mandarin, which I find to be a challenging language. My greatest challenge has also been communicating in Mandarin with Taiwanese friends, the community, and some teachers. To overcome this, I initially relied on translation applications and have continued to learn Mandarin through teachers and online media.

Life and Activities in Taiwan

Besides studying, I spend time exploring Taiwan’s amazing destinations and discussing technological developments with friends. We meet in parks, cafes, or dorms, exchanging ideas and practicing Mandarin. Taiwan’s welcoming nature, affordability for students, clean environment, and orderly society greatly appeal to me. I often share these positive aspects with my family and friends back home.

Taiwan’s Impact

Taiwan, a small country with advanced technology and a friendly populace, offers a unique experience. Places like Zheng Dao Park, near my dormitory, provide a serene environment for relaxation and inspiration. The park’s numerous activities and sports venues are a source of enjoyment and a way to connect with nature.

My time in Taiwan has been marked by personal growth, particularly in language skills and cultural adaptation. Interactions with the Taiwanese people, known for their helpfulness and friendliness, have enriched my experience. The emphasis on student-friendly initiatives and the clean, orderly society have positively influenced my stay.

The educational experience in Taiwan differs markedly from my home country. The freedom to think and act critically, along with a balanced approach to teaching, has enhanced my learning. The practical application of knowledge through case studies and actual testing has deepened my understanding of the subjects. The supportive teaching environment encourages further exploration and detailed understanding of the course material.

Future Career Prospects

Studying in Taiwan is beneficial for my future career, given the rapid technological development and the focus on renewable problems and critical thinking in education. The culture of discipline, respect for time, and efficient work ethic in Taiwan aligns with my career aspirations. Additionally, learning Mandarin is crucial, as it is increasingly becoming a globally spoken language.

I would say those who would benefit most from studying in Taiwan are individuals with excellent time management, quick and clear work ethics, discipline, strong interpersonal communication skills, resilience, and effective financial management. Fluency in Mandarin and Taiwanese is nice to have.

I plan to stay in Taiwan due to the better salary prospects, efficient work system, and integrated public systems. The teaching approach in Taiwan, which balances theoretical and practical learning, provides more freedom and critical thinking space for students compared to my home country. Teachers offer diverse perspectives, making the learning process engaging and the environment conducive for deeper exploration.