Jeffrey Kurniawan Chandra

Motivations for Studying in Taiwan

In my family, I am the youngest, with two sisters who are also studying at NTUST, each working towards a master’s degree in business administration. 

My decision to study in Taiwan was influenced by three key reasons:
1. I have relatives who studied in Taiwan and now work in Hsinchu, which inspired me to follow a similar path.
2. Both my sisters completed their bachelor’s degrees at NTUST, and their positive experiences and feedback piqued my interest in studying in Taiwan.
3. I saw it as an opportunity to enhance my proficiency in the Mandarin language, both verbally and in writing.

Academic Experience at Taiwan Tech

As a student majoring in computer science and information engineering at NTUST, I have enjoyed a unique educational experience. One aspect that stands out is the multilingual learning environment: attending lectures in Mandarin, studying from English textbooks, and processing the material in Indonesian. While challenging, this language barrier has stimulated my brain to think more actively and develop a multi-perspective understanding based on language.

Studying in Taiwan has presented several challenges. One significant hurdle is forming friendships with Taiwanese students, as they often have pre-existing connections from their previous schools and share different cultural backgrounds and humor. Additionally, the language barrier was initially a significant obstacle. Over time, however, I’ve found ways to overcome this by immersing myself in local culture, listening to locals, and watching Taiwanese dramas to understand contemporary trends and slang.

Indonesia, as a developing country, contrasts with Taiwan in aspects like infrastructure, teaching quality, and school facilities. While the best university in Indonesia, the University of Indonesia in Jakarta, ranks closely with NTUST globally, my personal comparison is limited as I haven’t studied in Indonesia. However, based on friends’ experiences, the major difference lies in the discipline aspect of the universities. Ultimately, each person’s experience varies with their perspective and the cultural context of the country.

Future Prospects in Taiwan

Studying in Taiwan offers numerous benefits. For instance, mastering Mandarin enhances my prospects in Mandarin-speaking regions like China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and parts of East Asia, potentially positioning me as an interpreter in international business dealings. Additionally, Taiwan’s reputation in software and hardware fields opens up opportunities to connect and collaborate with top professionals in these industries.

Looking ahead, Taiwan appeals to me for several reasons:
1. Taiwan’s position as one of Asia’s largest economies, offering high salaries relative to living costs, makes it an attractive place for expatriates.
2. Taiwan is safer compared to Indonesia.
3. The presence of multinational companies offers abundant opportunities for engineers and technicians, making it a potentially wasteful decision to return to Indonesia, especially given Taiwan’s low unemployment rate.

Personal Achievements in Taiwan

My time in Taiwan has been marked by several achievements:
1. Active participation in university events, exhibitions, and seminars.
2. Networking with individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering friendships with those who share similar interests.
3. Earning personal income through part-time jobs.
4. Exploring various parts of Taiwan, which has contributed to my personal growth in maturity, independence, confidence, and self-management.

Guidance for Future Students in Taiwan

Prospective students should not overly worry about language barriers. While English is not widely spoken, many locals, especially in Taipei, are willing to help foreigners learn Mandarin. Immersion in daily life naturally leads to a basic understanding of the language. When it comes to cultural differences, openness and curiosity are key. Asking questions and seeking to understand the local way of life can significantly ease the adjustment process.