Ceria Ciptanurani

My Journey in Science and Education

I come from an ordinary family living in a small village on Java Island, where not many girls pursue advanced education. However, I have demonstrated that with high motivation, strong intentions, and hard work, being a village girl is no longer a barrier to pursuing a higher degree of education. Being admitted to the leading university in Indonesia with a full scholarship has been a significant stepping stone in my life. I studied nutrition in my undergraduate program, then worked as a nutritionist in a hospital for a year after graduating. I also spent a year as a research assistant at a pediatric research institution at my previous university. My thirst for knowledge encouraged me to continue my education at the master’s level.

Choosing Taiwan & Application Process

Taiwan, a developed country in Asia with a socioeconomic and health landscape different from Indonesia, drew me in. My interest in public health and Taiwan’s renowned health system, including its health promotion, motivated me to study here. Taiwan’s provision of numerous scholarships for foreign students and its reputation as one of the world’s safest countries further convinced me. The opportunity to live in a modern society rooted in one of the world’s oldest cultures was also a significant draw.

Balancing my full-time job while preparing for the scholarship and university application was challenging. However, my strong determination to continue my education helped me utilize my free time effectively for English language improvement and gathering information about the university requirements.

International Health Program at NYCU

I am currently studying international health at the International Health Program (IHP) at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University. The program offers a range of courses that align with my interests, such as epidemiology, global health, and biostatistics. These courses deepen my understanding of public health challenges and equip me for high-quality health research. The diversity of my classmates, hailing from various countries and cultures, enriches our class discussions, making them one of the most enjoyable aspects of my studies.

The lecturers at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, many of whom graduated from prestigious universities worldwide, offer a high standard of teaching, often more interactive than what I experienced in Indonesia. Taiwan’s use of technology in education is more advanced than in Indonesia. However, the facilities are not significantly different between the two countries.

Competing academically with international students and representing Indonesia as the only student from my country in class has been a source of motivation. Achieving satisfactory grades and learning the Mandarin language are my key accomplishments during my studies in Taiwan.

Post-Graduation Plans and Returning to Indonesia

Studying in Taiwan offers me world-class education, exposure to diverse living experiences, and the opportunity to build a global network. Improving my language skills in both English and Mandarin is a significant asset for my future career. The knowledge and skills in health and research acquired in Taiwan will be crucial for my career in Indonesia.

After completing my master’s program, I plan to start a career as a public health practitioner, engage in health research, and educate the next generation. I intend to return to Indonesia to address the health challenges there, applying the knowledge and experience gained in Taiwan.

Advice for Prospective Students in Taiwan

For students interested in studying in Taiwan, I advise them to seize the opportunity to learn as much as possible. Learning Mandarin, engaging with locals, and exploring Taiwan’s culture and attractions are invaluable experiences. Studying in Taiwan is a great opportunity to build a global network and enrich one’s academic and personal life.