Rachelle Anne Arcega

I’m currently working towards a M.Sc. in food safety/hygiene and risk management at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in Tainan as a distinguished international scholar. I enjoy living a simple yet adventurous life and am dedicated to everything I do. My interests include reading poetry, watching wartime movies, traveling, and playing with cats. Additionally, I enjoy being surrounded by nature. Most of the time, I like exploring new places and things by myself. However, I also enjoy meeting new people and spending quality time with my loved ones. Recently, I’ve been into exchanging postcards with my family and friends, sending them love from Taiwan.

Choosing Taiwan for Its Research-oriented Education

During my undergraduate studies, I was sent to National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) in Pingtung, Taiwan, to conduct research and an internship. During that 6-month period, I became truly engrossed in research. I wanted to place myself in a competitive environment and seek more opportunities beyond my limited horizon. One way to achieve this was by applying to a graduate school abroad. I chose Taiwan because I saw how the Taiwanese government and universities value research, a field often overlooked in my country. Additionally, Taiwan is a very beautiful country with rich culture and kind people. These factors, along with my eagerness to step out of my comfort zone and a desire for continuous learning, motivated me to study in Taiwan.

School Experience & Challenges

I’m studying food safety/hygiene and risk management. In this program, we are trained to address food safety and health issues by conducting toxicological experiments and risk assessments, communicating the results to people, and providing necessary preventive measures. The core courses in this program include food chemistry, toxicology, and health risk assessment. What I have enjoyed most in my studies is applying what I learned in biological engineering to my current field. Apart from that, I’m grateful for my friends who are very welcoming and willing to help. Finally, I have supportive advisers who inspire me to stay focused and motivated.

The teaching method in Taiwan encourages you to think more critically and logically. It fosters classroom participation and discussion, which is helpful in understanding the lecture content. In Taiwanese universities, based on my experience, all the resources needed for research are plentiful – including analytical instruments, reagents, and laboratory tools. The school environment is very conducive to learning. NCKU has two large libraries full of research resources and a wide campus with plenty of green spaces where I can study with friends. Lastly, Taiwanese universities and the government offer numerous scholarship opportunities to local and international students.

The greatest challenge I faced while applying to study in Taiwan was the language barrier. In the food safety program, very few courses are taught in English. I wondered if I could finish my degree with confident knowledge about Food Safety, knowing that I might not understand lectures taught in Mandarin. I overcame this challenge by learning a few helpful Mandarin words and making an extra effort to read and study the English reference materials provided before each lecture. My classmates were also helpful, translating key points of the lecture for me. Despite this difficulty, I decided to take on this challenge to bring out my best in a competitive learning environment. After all, speaking Mandarin is now a valuable skill for any international career.

Benefits of Studying in Taiwan & Future Plan

Obtaining my master’s degree in Taiwan can greatly benefit my future career. First, my 2-year study has given me plenty of time to interact with locals, acquiring their mindset, work principles, and ethics. This will make shifting and adjusting to a work environment easier for me. Second, many companies are attracted to international employees to increase their global competency. Having completed my degree in Taiwan can enhance my employability. Lastly, if I return to work in the Philippines, the experience and knowledge I acquire in Taiwan, along with my bilingualism, could boost my CV and make me attractive to Philippine companies.

After graduation, I would like to find a food safety-related job in Taiwan. Many Taiwanese companies, thanks to the “New Southbound Policy,” are looking for Southeast Asian employees. I also plan to take additional Chinese language classes to hone my Mandarin, as being bilingual is a valuable asset. Even with the language barrier, working in a foreign environment can improve my flexibility, adaptability, communication skills, and cultural awareness. Additionally, working with people of different viewpoints can enhance my objectivity and fairness.

Important Achievements

Academically, the most important achievements during my studies in Taiwan are my three publications in scientific journals. Another achievement was presenting my undergraduate research at an international conference. I was also able to do my first poster presentation while studying at NCKU. However, personal achievements matter more to me. During my stay in Taiwan – being away from my family and out of my comfort zone – I learned new things about myself and improved aspects I didn’t like. I became stronger, wiser, and more independent. I am also slowly learning a beautiful language. I treasure the personal growth I have achieved while staying in Taiwan.

Advice for Prospective Students

As an international student, you will face many challenges. But do not worry. Instead, see this as an opportunity to expand your horizons. Do not be afraid of the language barrier and cultural differences. Taiwanese people are kind, hospitable, and friendly. You will also meet many people from all around the world with different opinions, which is always good for personal growth. Regarding your studies, stay focused, motivated, and believe in your capabilities. Taiwanese universities will give you hands-on experience, and the diverse student bodies make classroom discussions interesting and thought-provoking. Studying in Taiwan is an enriching experience that will help you grow into a better individual and equip you with skill sets helpful for your career as a professional.