Okatsu Haruto

Studying International Relations at TKU

My interest in Taiwan began when I met my first international friend, who is Taiwanese and introduced me to the culture. I chose to study in Taiwan because it offers more English-taught programs than Japan, allowing me to continue my studies smoothly. I am also excited to learn Mandarin as a third language. 

I chose Tamkang University because it offers a high-quality diplomacy and international relations program entirely in English, which fits my academic goals. A Taiwanese friend recommended it to me, highlighting its strong reputation in this field. Additionally, the beautiful scenery of Tamsui reminds me of my hometown, Kagoshima, which gives me a comforting sense of familiarity and belonging.

The diverse and international environment of the program greatly influenced my decision to enroll. More than half of the students are from overseas, which gives me the chance to interact with people from various backgrounds and use English in daily life. This aspect is very appealing to me. One of my closest friends in class is a native English speaker, and thanks to our friendship, my English skills have improved significantly.

The most significant aspect of my personal growth since studying and living in Taiwan is that I have become more open-minded and accepting of different values. I often interact with people from various nationalities, which constantly exposes me to new perspectives. Each encounter teaches me something new and helps me grow as a person.

Support and Resources at TKU

I find the support from the international affairs staff extremely helpful. They provide various resources, guidance, and opportunities, making it easy for me to adjust to life in Taiwan. There is also a Japanese student association that supports new students from Japan. Thanks to the senior members who were already familiar with life in Taiwan, I was able to ask questions and get advice comfortably.

One of the biggest challenges I have faced while learning Mandarin is pronunciation, as there are many sounds that do not exist in Japanese, making it difficult for me to master. However, Tamkang University offers free Mandarin classes for international students, which has greatly improved my skills. I plan to continue taking these classes every semester until I graduate.

One of my favorite spots on campus was the cafeteria. Although it is no longer available, I liked it because it offered affordable and healthy meals. I also really like the library—it is spacious and perfect for studying. During exam periods, the study rooms are open 24 hours, which helps me stay focused and productive, so I always take advantage of that.

Future Plans and Advice for Future International Students

I have not decided yet whether I will stay in Taiwan after graduation. However, I hope to make the most of the academic knowledge and values I have gained through my study experience here. In the future, I would like to work in a diverse and international environment. Even if I do not live in Taiwan after graduation, I want to stay connected and continue interacting with Taiwanese people.

I highly recommend that fellow international students learn basic Mandarin before coming to Taiwan. Once you step outside the university, you will be in a completely Mandarin-speaking environment, and English will not always be understood. I have faced many challenges due to my limited Mandarin skills, so I encourage future international students to study Mandarin beforehand to make their experience smoother and more enjoyable.