John Mark M. Tabor

I used to work as a civil engineer in the Philippines. Most of my friends call me JM, but those who are really close to me call me by my surname. I will be turning 29 this coming October 2020.

Before leaving for Taiwan in February 2020, I worked as a junior engineer in Philippines’ largest private infrastructure developer. Much of my work experience with them focused in managing contractors and engineering consultants for large-scale tollway projects that are intended to alleviate the worsening traffic conditions in Manila. After my five-year tenure with the company, I left in January 2020 to take this opportunity to pursue graduate studies.

Aside from devouring books about self-development and management, I also deeply enjoy hitting the drums. I have been playing drums intermittently for the past twelve years with a number of amateur bands and artists. And because of their stimulating drum beats, I enjoy listening to rock and metal music, although I also sometimes find myself humming to the tunes of the ballads composed by David Foster.

Choosing Taiwan

Working side by side with senior engineers, managers and executives, I have observed that they have indisputable knowledge about everything there is in the construction industry. I wanted to be like them. So I started to integrate their skills with my own. But I realized it was not enough. I thought that I should take further studies to become like them. However, universities in Manila are too expensive for my financial capability, so I relegated that desire to study for years until last year. My friends, who are currently studying here in Taiwan, introduced me to this opportunity. I was told that there are universities here that offer scholarships for deserving foreigners. So I looked up on the web for universities that have the course that I wanted to take. That’s when I discovered about NCU. Later, I found out that one of my professors in college recently finished her doctorate degree here in Taiwan. I shared to her my intent to apply for graduate studies. She was so enthusiastic in sharing her learning experiences and I heard lots of good things. Her stories convinced me well so I pushed through the application and submitted my documents online.

Application & Academic Experience

The visa application process implemented by the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office in Manila was so streamlined that it only took less than two weeks for them to process my application. I was even surprised that the personnel there speaks fluent Tagalog.

I was still working in the Philippines when NCU confirmed that I got the scholarship. So, to complete the needed documents and certificates, I had to skip some meetings, defer some of my work, and delegate the nonnegotiable. My colleagues and boss’ support made it easier for me to balance my work load and the urgency of my visa application.

The Master’s Program in Construction Engineering and Management at the National Central University offers courses that are aimed to develop outstanding leaders in the construction industry. The faculty behind the program is composed of competent professors who are experts in their respective niche. My research adviser, for example, is a leading expert in construction dispute arbitration here in Taiwan.

One of the courses that I am currently taking is an introductory course on construction quality management––one of the essential domains of knowledge needed to become effective in handling construction projects. So far, I am enjoying how the professor controls the pace of the class. He succinctly explains the fundamental concepts and then shows to the class their application to real-life cases. This is a sure way to really understand and absorb the heart of the course.

I stated in my study plan that one of my decisions to pursue graduate studies in construction engineering and management is to develop a more holistic approach to highway and bridge construction management. I chose NCU to be my partner in developing myself because I believe in the capability of their professors. I believe they can help me achieve this goal. And it is becoming evident that this belief has a solid basis as I go through my courses.

This opportunity to study in Taiwan for free, that was made possible with the help of my adviser and the University, is so far the best achievement that I have reached in my entire life. When I was in college, I had never imagined myself studying outside the Philippines because I was thinking too small of myself. I thought that opportunities like this are only for the rich.

Looking Forward

My initial plan was really to stay here provided that there will be an opportunity that could further develop my skills as a civil engineer. I would also like to continue my exposure to railway and highway infrastructure construction, so I hope that there would be projects like these in Taiwan in the future.

Otherwise, I will probably return to the Philippines to help my countrymen in developing much needed transport infrastructure for Manila. I would like to bring the knowledge that I would gain from my professors to help my country in improving its transportation system and to ultimately prosper like Taiwan.

Comparison

The first thing I noticed when I arrived at NCU for the first time was the environment. It seems peaceful and calming because of the huge, overarching trees. It is nice that the environment here is conducive for learning. It was totally the opposite when you study in Manila, where anyone is constantly bombarded with the honking and revving of vehicles.

The teaching quality, facilities, and the learning equipment are just the same, at least in the context of civil engineering education. The faculty and staff from my program always ensure that they give the best possible learning experience to their students.

Advice for Future Students

Taiwan is a great place to study largely because it is safe to live here. I can see the Taiwanese government’s genuine interest to serve and protect their people based on how they have handled the containment of COVID-19 since it broke out of China. Other than that, Taiwan has a diverse cuisine, welcoming people, and efficient network of transportation system. Truly, it is convenient to stay here.

The only challenge is that it is sometimes difficult to communicate with other Taiwanese outside the school. Before going here, try to study and practice some basic Mandarin that you could use to order food, to ask for directions, and to buy at the convenience store. Be critical on how you enunciate the words because the tones must be distinct.