Alice Kristina

Choosing Taiwan: A Linguistic Adventure

I’m currently living and studying in Taichung, in my third year of undergraduate studies. I hope to graduate next year with a bachelor’s degree. Dancing is my passion, and I have a fondness for artsy and unique things. Blushed pink is my favorite color. I am proficient in three languages: Indonesian, English, and Mandarin.

My decision to study in Taiwan was fueled by a desire to learn Mandarin. My parents were very supportive of this choice. Growing up, I only spoke Indonesian, but as I matured, I realized the importance of language skills in professional life. I find the Taiwanese manner of speaking particularly elegant and articulate, which further motivated my decision to come to Taiwan.

Exploring International Business

I am a third-year student majoring in international business at the National Taichung University of Education. What appeals to me about this major is its flexibility; it allows students to explore various aspects of economics and business, such as finance, marketing, or management. This breadth of options within a single department is something I greatly appreciate.

Having never studied in Indonesian universities, I can’t comment on their teaching quality. However, I’ve observed that Taiwanese campuses are generally larger than those in Indonesia and often include amenities like swimming pools. Taiwan’s education system incorporates mandatory sports and arts classes, which I find somewhat unusual compared to my field of study. In terms of school equipment, I believe both Indonesia and Taiwan are well-equipped.

The biggest challenge I faced in Taiwan was the language barrier. Having never spoken Mandarin until the end of high school, I initially struggled with daily communication, as many Taiwanese people were not fluent in English. This was frustrating, but over my 2.5 years here, my Mandarin has improved significantly through self-learning and immersion.

Future Plans: Entrepreneurial Dreams

Studying in Taiwan has been beneficial for my future career, particularly because of the exposure to different cultures. The diversity in products and culinary practices here serves as inspiration for my future business endeavors. Living independently in Taiwan has also fostered personal growth, making me more self-reliant and open to new experiences.

My goal is to open my own bakery in Indonesia. Before taking this leap, I plan to study in a D-3 bakery program at Ming Quan University in Taipei for two years. After completing my education in Taiwan, I intend to return to Indonesia, as I deeply miss my hometown and find true happiness in familiar surroundings.

Personal Growth and Achievements

My time in Taiwan has been transformative, making me more independent, resilient, self-disciplined, and wise. These aspects of self-improvement are significant achievements for me. Additionally, meeting a diverse range of people from various countries has been enlightening. Mastering Mandarin is another accomplishment I hold in high regard.

Advice for Future Students in Taiwan

To those considering studying in Taiwan, I advise being humble, open-minded, and persistent. Not everything will be easy, but perseverance pays off. Find ways to stay happy and don’t give up. Additionally, having a basic understanding of Mandarin before arriving in Taiwan is advantageous and can ease your transition.