Lei Jia Yi

Motivation to Study in Taiwan

I am a Malaysian Chinese, raised in a loving family. My interests include traveling and immersing myself in different cultures. Despite being shy, I’m deeply curious about everything around me. I cherish spending time with elders, as it gives me insights into society and the diverse personalities of people. Reading is my favorite pastime, and I find immense joy in losing myself in a book in a cozy corner.

My decision to study in Taiwan was influenced by my elder brother, who had an enriching academic experience here. My own visit to Taiwan during high school left me enamored with the lifestyle, scenery, the friendliness of the locals, and most notably, the cuisine – especially the stinky tofu and fried chicken fillet. Studying in Taiwan also presented an opportunity to travel around the island during breaks. Additionally, the affordability of education and the low crime rate in Taiwan were significant factors in my decision, as they addressed my parents’ concerns for my safety abroad.

Reflections on Academic Life in Taiwan

I am in the final year of my bachelor’s degree in business administration. This journey has taught me the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and communication, especially in business administration. Engaging in group work, presentations, and research projects with classmates from diverse backgrounds has been particularly enriching.

While I haven’t studied at a university in Malaysia, I notice a difference in the medium of instruction compared to my high school there, where English was predominantly used. The dedication of teachers in Taiwan stands out to me; they seem more responsible, offering a different academic approach compared to what I’ve heard from friends in Malaysia. For example, formal presentations are more frequent in Malaysian education, which is excellent for developing self-expression skills.

Career Ambitions and Working in Taiwan

Having spent four years in Taiwan, I’ve gained insights into its business management practices, like the widespread use of standard operating procedures, which is less common in Malaysian companies. Taiwan’s business acumen, honed during its time as one of the “Four Asian Tigers,” offers valuable lessons that I could apply in Malaysia, perhaps even in a managerial role. I also see potential in bringing Taiwanese products to the Malaysian market through franchising.

My plan is to work in Taiwan for a few years, leveraging my multilingual skills and benefiting from the higher salaries here. I’m also motivated by my desire to continue exploring Taiwan. I acknowledge the differences in work culture between Taiwan and Malaysia and see this as an opportunity to strengthen my resilience. After gaining experience in Taiwan, I intend to embark on a working holiday in Spain.

Overcoming Challenges and Personal Growth

Choosing to study in Taiwan was my decision, and I was determined not to burden my family financially. I worked hard to secure scholarships for tuition and took up part-time jobs to cover my living expenses. Balancing work and studies was challenging, leading to anxiety and depression. Being far from family made it tougher, but I resolved not to let these difficulties overpower me. Overcoming these challenges and maintaining my resolve, despite my naturally soft nature, is an achievement I hold dear.

Recommendations for Future International Students

I advise future international students to interact with Taiwanese and other international students, rather than limiting their social circle to people from their home country. Engaging with locals is a valuable way to learn about Taiwanese culture and practice language skills. Also, I suggest building a close relationship with professors, who often go the extra mile to support foreign students, serving as a parental figure in Taiwan. This approach not only enriches the academic experience but also helps in personal growth and cultural integration.