Elvira Sie

Decision to Study in Taiwan

Initially, I never imagined studying in Taiwan as I didn’t speak Mandarin. However, learning about the National Cheng Chi University and its recognition and accreditations intrigued me. I decided to challenge myself, knowing that comfort zones don’t often yield great achievements. Coming to Taiwan turned out to be the best decision of my life. It transformed my social circle from local friends to an international community. The experience of gaining new connections and learning independence in Taiwan is invaluable.

Academic Experience

I am pursuing a degree in international business, focusing on international scale business operations. Transitioning from a science major in high school to business was challenging, but starting with basic subjects like economics, accounting, and calculus made it manageable. While some materials are complex, the support from my excellent teachers at NCCU and from my friends have been instrumental in my learning. Enrolling at NCCU has been a blessing, as it allowed me to meet incredible people.

The learning methods in Taiwan differ significantly from those in Indonesia. In Taiwan, most of my classes involve discussion sessions, fostering the exchange of ideas among students. In contrast, Indonesian teaching relies more on individual reports than group projects. The facilities at my campus in Taiwan, including a theatre, gymnasium, swimming pool, and dormitories, are better than those in Indonesia. Living in a dormitory has greatly aided my adaptation to university life in Taiwan.

The biggest challenges I faced when applying to study in Taiwan were the language barrier and the registration process. Though coming from a Chinese Indonesian background, I didn’t speak Mandarin. The registration documents were not available in English, so I initially considered using an agency. However, finding no suitable agency in my small hometown, I decided to handle the process myself with help from a Mandarin teacher. Eventually, I took a year off to learn Mandarin in Taiwan before enrolling in university. This experience taught me the value of stepping back to make greater progress.

The most significant achievement since arriving in Taiwan has been learning Mandarin. I arrived with little knowledge of Mandarin, and being able to communicate in Mandarin has greatly enhanced my university experience. This skill is also crucial for part-time work opportunities in Taiwan, allowing me to interact with more people in Mandarin-speaking environments.

Future Plans

I believe standing out in a career requires uniqueness, which comes from enhancing skills, connections, and experiences. Studying in Taiwan has allowed me to improve in these areas simultaneously. I’ve learned languages, made international friends, and gained valuable self-reliance and respect for diverse perspectives. Though challenging, I strive to improve these aspects daily.

My parents always encouraged me to be independent and make my own decisions about the future. I plan to stay in Taiwan after my bachelor’s degree to build my career. The prestige of my alma mater in Taiwan offers better career opportunities than returning to Indonesia. While I do plan to contribute to my home country eventually, I’m not in a rush and believe it’s essential to gain experience abroad first.

Advice to Prospective Students

For those considering studying in Taiwan, thoroughly consider your decision and be prepared for the challenges. Going to school abroad is 40% fun and 60% hard work especially if you are like me, the one whose Chinese is not that good. You will face homesickness and the need to solve problems on your own. However, stepping out of your comfort zone is worthwhile. This experience will ultimately lead to personal growth and a better version of yourself.