Pintu Kumar

Coming to Taiwan and Learning Mandarin

I first became interested in Taiwan after meeting a volunteer teacher from Taiwan while I was learning Mandarin (using simplified characters) in New Delhi, India. Through them, I learned about traditional Chinese characters, which sparked my interest to study in Taiwan and master traditional characters. In 2013, I had an incredible experience studying Mandarin at Mandarin Training Center (MTC), NTNU. The environment was amazing, and I enjoyed learning both the language and the culture. This positive experience motivated me to return in 2016 to pursue my bachelor’s degree in the Chinese as a Second Language Department at NTNU. I also applied for the Taiwan Scholarship to support myself financially during my studies.

As an Indian student, learning Mandarin was challenging—especially writing characters and mastering the tones. The tones were the hardest part for me. However, the teachers in NTNU’s Department of Chinese as a Second Language provided great support, helping me improve my skills. Thanks to their guidance, I can now speak Mandarin fluently and mostly understand the tones.

So, my top tip for prospective international students is to learn some basic Mandarin before coming to Taiwan. It will help you connect with locals and immerse yourself in the culture.

Researching East Asian Culture at NTNU

I chose NTNU because of its excellent academic reputation and outstanding Mandarin teaching programs. A Taiwanese friend highly recommended the university, and I was excited by the prospect of learning Mandarin in Taiwan. After completing my bachelor’s degree in Chinese, I became particularly interested in community research, which led me to the Department of East Asian Studies. I am now continuing my academic journey here, pursuing both my master’s and Ph.D. programs in this department.

NTNU offers a wide range of helpful resources, such as a well-equipped library, numerous academic events, and internship opportunities. These resources allow me to learn from experts, collaborate with professionals, and gain a deeper understanding of academic life.

During my master’s classes, I discovered a wealth of academic research resources, innovative teaching methods, and bilingual programs. The department has many renowned professors whom I am eager to learn from and collaborate with. These opportunities inspired me to continue with the Ph.D. program at NTNU.

Leisure Activities and Cultural Exchange

I’m a cricket player from India, but while studying at NTNU, I also learned tennis. After finishing basic courses, I joined a local tennis association and continued playing. I often relax at the NTNU main campus ground at night. From 2017 to 2019, I did gymnastics at NTNU, and I really appreciated the university’s sports culture and discipline. This environment taught me humility and respect, which is why I think NTNU’s gymnastics program is so successful. I still play tennis and cricket here in Taiwan.

As a Ph.D. student at NTNU, I often visit other universities for research presentations. Recently, I presented at Academia Sinica, and my research was well received. During my bachelor’s degree, Taiwan’s public broadcaster even recorded my life as a student. I also taught Hindi part-time at an institute.

Personal Growth and Future Plan

Studying in Taiwan has been life-changing. My Chinese language skills have improved tremendously, opening up new opportunities and giving me a deeper understanding of Taiwanese culture. I can now connect with people on a meaningful level and gain new perspectives. My Mandarin proficiency has also boosted my confidence and adaptability for my future career.

I definitely want to stay in Taiwan after graduation. My experience as an international student here has been invaluable, and Taiwan has been a tremendous support system for my studies and personal growth. If possible, I would love to continue living and working in Taiwan.