John Francis Llagas Mansos

Choosing NCU, the Remote Sensing Pioneer

I am currently taking my master's degree in remote sensing science and technology at the National Central University (NCU) under the Center for Space and Remote Sensing Research. I specifically chose this degree program since NCU is the pioneer for remote sensing research. I am deeply inclined to study tropical cyclones and environmental disasters, and to be part of this program will help me understand more about the natural hazards and calamities that usually pass through my country, the Philippines.

Choosing my master's degree is greatly influenced by its technical nature and relevance to real-world environmental applications. I am deeply interested in a program that will allow me to observe satellite data, gain hands-on experience with environmental issues, and apply it to related studies such as ocean observation, disasters, and climate change. The program is very much focused on dealing with practical applications involving real-world data, programming, and analytical approaches.

NCU is the pioneer in remote sensing research, and they provide lectures that are focused on satellite study and research. Being part of the degree program under CSRSR helped me in various aspects, especially in understanding the environment and how to be able to assess natural calamities and hazards. The experience of faculty members with regard to remote sensing is also an important factor in choosing the degree. Most of the faculty members are engaged in research initiatives concerning atmospheric science, earth monitoring, land use change, and geospatial study. With their capabilities and knowledge, I am able to immediately understand various concepts in research and data observations.

Lastly, the whole program is intriguing since this is the first time that I have heard that a school provides a degree specifically for remote sensing research. Most of the schools, not only in Taiwan but also in other countries, just integrate remote sensing study in earth or space sciences.

NCU Advantages: Strategic Location and Career Prospects

The availability of scholarships and the affordability of tuition fees for international students were also some factors in choosing NCU. Compared to many Western countries, there is a decent balance between costs and quality within Taiwan. Another thing I appreciated is how NCU is involved with active partnerships with governmental and research organizations, which widens anyone’s opportunity to engage with actual projects and to build a career.

Since NCU is one of the top schools in Taiwan, studying at this university is a stepping stone for me to be able to work in Taiwan after graduation. With the classes done in English, I am able to adapt well and learn without worrying about the language. I was also attracted to NCU's environment and culture. The campus provides various facilities for research and recreation. The fact that NCU is based at Taoyuan is also very advantageous because it is close to Taipei, where various seminars, workshops, and conferences are usually held.

Thriving in Taiwan’s Academic Culture

Taiwan has a diverse culture, good education, and high medical standards. Studying in Taiwan is a great opportunity for international students not only to explore Taiwan's culture but also to be able to learn more about the areas of study they are interested in learning from. With the expansion of bilingual courses in Taiwan, international students can explore more of their field of interest. Also, various scholarships are available in Taiwan and at universities, so living here will not be a problem.

My advice to aspiring international students who want to study in Taiwan is to keep an open mind and take the initiative to make things happen. Taiwanese people are very friendly, but to make the most out of studying in Taiwan, you have to make an effort to get to know your professors and fellow students as well. To give you a better idea about what to expect academically, most programs require you to work autonomously, so asking advice from your advisor and laboratory members is a must. This includes handling your own projects, analyzing your own dataset, and reading other researchers’ published work on your own.

Take advantage of Taiwan’s safe environment. Get involved with student organizations, attend seminars, and travel to other regions in Taiwan if you can. This will help you build your own network, cope with stress, and get a better understanding of Taiwan's research and development field. Taiwan is definitely a very supportive environment to grow both academically and personally, provided you are ready to push yourself out of your comfort zone.