Priya Lalwani Purswaney

Hello, I’m Priya, the first Indian university student in Taiwan. I arrived in Taiwan in 1987 and was admitted into the Business Management Department of Tatung University, later pursuing an MBA at National Taiwan University. I’ve contributed to setting up the India Taipei Association (ITA) and worked as an interpreter. Currently, I am a PhD student at National Taiwan Normal University’s Graduate Institute of Translation and Interpretation.

I chose Taiwan for its diverse range of majors, high-quality education at a reasonable cost, and the opportunity to learn Mandarin in a friendly environment. Additionally, studying in Taiwan allowed me to stay with my family initially and then continue for my master’s at a top university. My sister also returned to Taiwan for her undergraduate education.

Educational Experience

I am studying at the Graduate Institute of Translation and Interpretation (GITI) of National Taiwan Normal University, specializing in simultaneous interpretation of market research focus groups. My coursework includes include theory of interpretation, teaching translation and interpretation, sight interpretation, community interpreting, consecutive interpretation, simultaneous interpretation, qualitative methodology, quantitative methodology, and lots more. I enjoy learning and value the chance to interact with professors and classmates.

Comparison with Indian Education

Taiwanese universities offer a different learning environment compared to India, with well-equipped facilities and smaller class sizes that encourage productive discussions. The teachers in Taiwan are dedicated and provide equal opportunities to all students. However, I observed that students in Taiwan are generally shyer than in other countries.

Challenges and Overcoming Them

When first applying to study in Taiwan, I faced challenges due to unclear procedures and varying university rules. Learning Mandarin from scratch was also a significant challenge. I immersed myself in the Mandarin-speaking environment and took every chance to practice the language.

Future Plans in Taiwan

After completing my studies, I intend to stay in Taiwan. I have started a company offering language services and plan to teach interpretation at a local university. Taiwan’s entrepreneurial spirit, safety, and the warmth of its people make it an ideal place for both professional and personal life.

Career Benefits from Studying in Taiwan

Studying in Taiwan has greatly enhanced my career, especially in learning Mandarin, which is vital for my interpretation work. My management degrees aid in business management, and my translation studies have already led to co-authoring a book. My PhD will enable me to pursue a teaching career in interpretation.

Achievements in Taiwan

During my time in Taiwan, I have achieved several milestones. I helped establish the Indian office in Taipei, have been involved in promoting Indian culture, and served as an interpreter for mayors. In 2019, I received the Outstanding Alumni Award from Tatung University.

Advice for Prospective Students

My advice to prospective students is to embrace the opportunity to study in Taiwan. Taiwan’s safety, advanced infrastructure, and leadership in various fields, coupled with the chance to learn Mandarin, make it an excellent choice for higher education. Taiwan, being a beautiful island, offers a great environment for both learning and living.