Honestly, I didn’t choose Taiwan, rather my Professor in Singapore chose Taiwan for me. But I am very happy with this choice as I realize that Taiwan is just the right place for higher studies. I feel extremely comfortable and productive studying here.
My program of study is Ph.D. in electronic engineering. I studied subjects related to semiconductor fabrication technology. This field of study is pretty vast but the thing I enjoy the most here is that whatever courses I choose, the majority of them has a keen focus on the practical aspect as well. Personally, I enjoy spending time in semiconductor laboratory as I can see everything that I study in books.
Studying in Taiwan is a different learning experience altogether. Compared to my home country, the teaching quality is more or less same. But what sets Taiwan apart is the advanced and developed laboratory setup and equipment with respect to semiconductor manufacturing and fabrication. This is coupled with friendly and helpful environment created by the welcoming nature of Taiwanese and official.
The only difficult part about applying to study is not the admission part, but the Visa application part which is quite complicated and troublesome at times. Since I was lucky to have a TECC in my city-Delhi, so I asked an agent to apply on my behalf, but students staying in other cities have a lot of problems. Even for people in Delhi, it's not an easy task.
After I finish my Ph.D., I will continue to work in my laboratory as a Research Assistant because of two main reasons. Firstly, I am very happy with the kind of work I am doing and since research is a never ending process, so completion of a course cannot limit the progress of research. Secondly, Taiwan has undoubtedly one of the best environment and resources for electronic engineers and researchers in Asia, so I would love to avail this opportunity in order to build my career.
Studying in Taiwan will give me an edge in 2 main aspects. Firstly the technical know-how in my field of study and secondly, the added advantage of learning Chinese language which will be highly critical in future.
My keys achievements studying in Taiwan are:
1. Learning to live in a multi-cultural environment.
2. Sharpening my technical skills.
3. Learning Chinese in order to break the ice between the locals and myself as a foreigner.
4. Achieving Rank 1 in my University for the Ph.D. course in electronic engineering.
5. Publishing my work in good and reputed journals.
My advice to overseas students who want to study in Taiwan is to come here without any doubts of career, knowledge and any kind of fears. This place is a peaceful land of great opportunities. So anyone who comes here will fully enjoy and avail the best of knowledge, education, people and the environment conducive for any student.