Wan Cheuk Yin

I am currently studying kinesiology in the National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) 清華大學, located in Hsinchu City. I am a big fan of soccer and weight lifting. I started studying in Taiwan 3 to 4 years ago and have been living in the dormitory with my friends since then. I am grateful that my university has provided students with great opportunities in various areas, cultivating my fruitful university life. For instance, I am now serving in the school’s soccer team, where I became good friends with my teammates and my coach.

Decision to Study in Taiwan

I planned to study in Taiwan because of my previous travels to Taiwan. The natural environment, the heart-warming people, and the freedom in politics motivated me to pursue my academics in Taiwan. Besides, I felt that my pace in Hong Kong is too pressuring where people always prioritize academic studies over other values. I like that people with different goals can find ways to achieve their targets in Taiwan. Last but not least, my parents have the ambition to start a business in Taiwan. They appreciate the low cost of living and the political rights and freedom that Taiwan upholds. It would be great if my parents can also come to experience the culture and start building their relationships as I do!

The greatest challenge that I encountered was regarding the cultural differences. Growing up in Hong Kong, it was quite an obstacle for me to get used to the lifestyle in another country. As I do not speak fluent Mandarin before coming to Taiwan, I took some time to learn the language and find ways to communicate with the locals. Besides, I also need to get used to a new environment. I woke up earlier during the first half-year of school to familiarize myself with the big campus and to figure out the routes when moving to another classroom. Luckily, I was never alone throughout my academic studies. I took the initiative to engage more with the local students, polishing my Mandarin and communication skills at the same time. I found out that the best way to understand the culture is to experience it directly. To be curious and friendly towards trying new things; reaching out to people for help are my constant reminders after staying in Taiwan for 4 years. Taiwanese people are well-known for their hospitality and friendliness. I am blessed to be surrounded by good friends and mentors, who helped me overcome those challenges.

Academic Program

I am studying in the Department of Kinesiology at NTHU. The program is similar to physical education, which motivates us to learn new sports categories every year, especially those that are common in Taiwan. For example, I learned more about the techniques and rules in basketball, soccer, and softball. Students are trained to be future primary school teachers in nurturing healthy sports habits among primary school students. I enjoyed how we can play the sports from different angles: not only as players but also as a coach or a referee. We can then learn how to be a good team player, a teacher, and also a judge.

Taiwan is advanced in promoting all-rounded developments: from academic education to sports, from music talents to habit-nurturing. Since I am interested in a career in youngsters’ physical ability, I would like to contribute to the growing development in the industry. I think Taiwanese parents are willing and adaptable to new things for their children. Many parents are happy to endow resources for their future generations. Thus, the industry on children’s physical ability training has been increasingly valued. I hope to use my experience in playing sports since my childhood and the practical knowledge and skills that I learned at school in my future career.

There are quite a lot of disparities in studying in Hong Kong and Taiwan. First, Taiwan has an equal spread of resources among schools and faculties. Hong Kong is comparatively smaller and packed. The high population density in Hong Kong leads to an uneven distribution of teaching resources and materials among schools. As a student who loves sports, I often feel that the sports facilities in Hong Kong are insufficient for students to practice and continue a career in sports. Universities in Hong Kong might often have to share one sports centre or playground, which is not quite supportive towards an all-rounded development. However, in Taiwan, not only are sports facilities more available for students, facilities are more well-equipped. Even libraries and classrooms are more spacious, allowing space users to do different activities. Space in Hong Kong is quite limited, so facilities are usually more packed but smaller, unlike the rich resources in Taiwan. However, in terms of teaching quality, Hong Kong is a well-acknowledged city with high teaching quality. Yet, Taiwan teachers are still equally passionate about sharing knowledge and experience with their students.

Achievements and Learning

Studying in Taiwan definitely trained my problem-solving and communication skills. Compared to living in Hong Kong where I might always rely on my family, I become more independent in solving problems while asking for advice from my peers in Taiwan. Throughout the years, I feel blessed to have a group of great friends from various cultural backgrounds. They helped me through many ups and downs in my daily life. Besides, I start to explore more about myself: to explore the values that I cherish, to brush up on my strengths, and improve on the weaknesses. For instance, my friends mentioned that I have good social skills but can work on my life skills. They are supportive in teaching me various skills and giving opinion. Last but not least, a great benefit is the chance to understand and directly experience a different culture than that in Hong Kong. Not just the local culture, but also Japanese, Korean, or American culture are somewhat reflected in the daily lives of Taiwanese people.

Future Plans

After I finish my academic studies in Taiwan, I will stay in the country to develop my career. It is my endeavor to immigrate to Taiwan, thus start a business or seek job opportunities in the area. The compassion and kindness of Taiwanese people are some of the strong factors that attract me to stay. People are hardworking and effective, but most importantly willing to lend a helping hand. Other than that, Taiwan is a very livable city. The cost of living is relatively lower and different lifestyles are available. In terms of job opportunities, people can work hard in their respective careers. SMEs are thriving in every corner of Taiwan. I am confident that I can seek jobs or start my career and business in the country, where resources are distributed more equally. I am excited to live out my dreams in the near future!

Advice for Prospective Students

My first tip is to do a thorough reflection on what the student wants to do in the future, then continue with in-depth research on the related subjects and career paths before choosing their program. In terms of the difficulties due to cultural differences, it would be great to take advice from the school’s division of overseas Chinese students. Address all your concerns with them and ask for more opinion. My experience tells me that schools are always very supportive and helpful in providing solutions and suggestions on preparing yourself before going to Taiwan. Another suggestion is to reach out to federations for overseas Chinese students, where such associations are happy to provide advice and directions on those concerns. A concluded advice is not to be afraid to ask for help, be it from your peers or teachers, or even from your neighbours. It is never easy to get completely used to another culture unless you persist in one’s believes and interests. Be brave in pursuing your dream and grasp every studying opportunity ahead!