Trixcy Joyce Ylagan Nepomuceno

Pursuing Academic Excellence in a Supportive Environment

I chose to study at National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) for several practical reasons that matched what I was looking for in a university. One important factor was that NTHU offers a strong English-taught pathway, which made studying abroad much more manageable for me. It allowed me to focus on learning without worrying about language barriers in my classes. They also offer programs that are not that common and are not available in my country, like the Interdisciplinary Program of Engineering.

I also appreciated that NTHU has a good support system for international students. Before applying, I learned that the school provides guidance, orientation, and resources to help foreign students adjust to life in Taiwan. This made me feel more confident about moving to a new country on my own. Another reason was the university’s overall ranking and reputation. NTHU is recognized both locally and internationally for its academic quality, and I wanted to study in a place where the education would be respected and useful for my future plans.

In addition, I was able to receive a scholarship, which played an important role in making my studies more affordable and reducing financial pressure. It’s admittedly a little difficult to keep the scholarship each year that I’m here, but I see it as a big motivation to work even harder. Finally, NTHU’s partnerships with universities back home gave me more flexibility and possible future collaboration opportunities. Altogether, these reasons made NTHU the right choice for me.

The Appeal of Interdisciplinary Engineering

I decided to enroll in the Interdisciplinary Program of Engineering because it offered the flexibility and structure I was looking for. One of the main things that influenced my decision was that it is a bilingual program, which made it easier for me to learn and participate confidently. I also liked that the program allows students to take classes from four different engineering departments: materials science, chemical engineering, industrial engineering, and mechanical engineering. This setup gives me a broader foundation compared to a traditional single-department major. 

What interests me most is how the program provides interdisciplinary knowledge. I believe that having exposure to different fields creates more opportunities in both research and industry because I’m not limited to just one path. Another important factor was the ability to choose my own specialty. I decided to major in chemical engineering with a specialization in genetic and tissue engineering, which is an area I am genuinely passionate about.

The program also gives access to strong research opportunities and world-class professors, which was a major motivation for me. Knowing that I can learn from experts and get hands-on experience made this program even more appealing. Finally, the program’s structure opens doors to a wide range of industry opportunities, which is something I value for my future career.

Courage and Curiosity in Taiwan

My advice for international students who are considering studying in Taiwan is to ask questions whenever you need to. Don’t be afraid to be curious, reach out, or ask for help—people in Taiwan are genuinely kind, and most are very willing to assist you. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own.

Another piece of advice is to do things even if you’re scared. Moving to a new country can feel intimidating, but it’s completely normal to be unsure at first. You’ll adjust, you’ll learn, and you’ll be fine. Many of the best experiences come from stepping outside your comfort zone.

I also encourage future students to explore Taiwan as much as possible. The country is safe, convenient, and full of beautiful places to visit. Try the food, travel to different cities, and experience local culture. It makes your time here so much more meaningful.

It’s also helpful to connect with both local and international students. Join clubs, attend events, and build a support system. Friendships make studying abroad much easier. Lastly, stay open-minded. Taiwan may be different from what you’re used to, but that’s what makes studying here special. If you stay positive and flexible, you’ll grow a lot and have a great experience.