Anis Sulalah

Choosing Taiwan for Studies

I chose Taiwan as my study abroad destination for several reasons: the high standard of education, pleasant living conditions, and its friendliness towards Muslims, which made it easier to find halal restaurants and places of worship. The country exceeded my expectations in many aspects.

Academic Pursuits and Achievements

At Minghsin University of Science and Technology, I chose to major in civil engineering and environmental informatics for my master’s degree. I especially enjoyed taking classes with Taiwanese students, engaging in their extracurricular activities like team-building exercises, competitions, and local business visits. My greatest learning achievement in Taiwan has been obtaining my full concrete and survey license, which was challenging as I had to pass all practical and computer tests in Chinese. Additionally, I ranked first in my master’s class during the first semester, a feat I am quite proud of.

There were of course challenges. The language barrier was my biggest challenge while studying in Taiwan. I have been learning Mandarin for about four years and recently passed level one of the TOCFL. I am continuously working to improve my Mandarin, hoping to pass level two as soon as possible.

Social Life and Cultural Experiences

In my free time, I enjoy exploring Taiwan with my friend, making memories, and particularly love visiting different night markets, each offering unique and distinctive culinary delights. These experiences have become an integral part of my life in Taiwan.

Studying in Taiwan has given me a lot of stories to share. Upon returning to Indonesia, I plan to share a long story with my family and friends, starting from the standard of education, the health of the Taiwanese economy, to the entertainment options available here.

Future Plans and Reflections on Taiwan

I came to Taiwan with the intention of gaining significant experiences, such as adopting a new mentality, acquiring a language skill, earning a degree, and building relationships. I believe these assets will increase my value as a person and contribute to the development of my nation in engineering. So, I think people who can adapt quickly in every situation would benefit greatly from studying in Taiwan.

Having lived in Taiwan for four years, I initially planned to find employment for two years after completing my master’s degree. My experience in Taiwan aimed to enrich me not only in terms of job and studies but also in soft skills and overall life experience. I have plans to work in another country, like Singapore, after Taiwan.

Comparing Educational Systems

The educational systems of Taiwan and Indonesia are quite different. In Indonesia, the importance of education is occasionally overlooked due to economic challenges, with work often prioritized over education. Despite government scholarships, it’s more about the mentality than the process. My time in Taiwan has taught me the importance of seeking a good education. The positive outlook of Taiwanese people and the government’s support for education with a good system and advanced technology have been enlightening.