Citra Chaerasari

Decision to Study in Taiwan

There were several factors that made me choose Taiwan for further studies. The scholarship opportunities for foreign students were a major draw, leading me to apply to Chin-Yi University in Taichung. My previous degree in HVAC Engineering meant that I could build upon what I already knew. Taiwan’s educational system seemed excellent for enhancing my knowledge. I also had former classmates at Chin-Yi University who shared their experiences with me, making the idea of studying there even more appealing. Moreover, I wanted to learn new languages, and living in Taiwan would support this goal. The culture is great, society is friendly, and the cost of living is affordable for students. Additionally, studying abroad in Taiwan presented a great opportunity for me to become more independent and responsible.

Academic Experience

I’m studying refrigeration, air conditioning, and energy engineering in my first semester. The subject focuses on heating and cooling in refrigeration/air conditioning systems. As a master’s student, I have a professor guiding me for my thesis topic and access to lab workspace. I enjoy my university life, the educational system, my professor, and the lab environment. My favorite subject is indoor environmental quality, taught by my professor. It’s a dynamic class where we present and discuss various topics, making it very enjoyable.

So far, my most important achievement is assisting my professor with a project study, where I learned a new simulation software from scratch. Although it wasn’t perfect, it was a valuable learning experience. I aim to achieve high scores in all my subjects this semester to earn recognition for my efforts.

In my free time, I like to watch sports like baseball and basketball. I also play basketball to relieve stress. My interests also include art, specifically creating realistic portraits of people. I’m a self-taught artist and try to learn more whenever I have free time. Additionally, I enjoy watching movies, listening to music, and learning new languages.

Comparison with Home Country

Studying in Taiwan differs significantly from my home country in terms of the educational system. It’s more dynamic here, encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and logic. Regular assignments and projects deepen my understanding of subjects. The lab facilities are excellent, providing personal space and computers for independent learning.

Challenges and Overcoming Them

The biggest challenge in applying to study in Taiwan was getting my parents’ permission. It took me a year to convince them. After securing my place and visa for the spring semester of 2020 at Chin-Yi University, the outbreak of the coronavirus posed new challenges, causing delays and concerns. However, I overcame these obstacles and am now happily studying in Taiwan.

Future Plans and Career Aspirations

Studying in Taiwan is significantly beneficial for my future career. It has allowed me to gain new experiences, step out of my comfort zone, and open up new opportunities. I’ve become more independent, improved my communication skills, and learned Mandarin, which is crucial for my career advancement.

Once I complete my studies, I plan to pursue a job related to my field of study. I would like to stay in Taiwan for my career due to the abundant job opportunities in manufacturing and engineering, which are more plentiful than in my home country. Taiwan’s environment, culture, and society are very conducive to living and working, making it an ideal place for foreigners.

Advice to Prospective Students

Studying in Taiwan is enjoyable. Don’t worry if you’re not fluent in Mandarin or other languages; the teachers here are incredibly helpful. Taiwanese people are kind-hearted and always ready to assist. You’ll meet friends from various countries, share experiences, and learn from each other. My advice is to not hesitate and come to study in Taiwan; you’re sure to love your university experience here.