Indonesia
Learning Mandarin while studying electrical engineering in a country that has the world’s second-largest semiconductor industry is incredibly valuable for my future.
My decision to study in Taiwan was deeply rooted in a childhood memory. I recall my father telling me, "Even as a woman, you must one day stand on your own feet." Studying abroad in this beautiful country is a great opportunity to learn about independence and what life is like. Learning Mandarin and studying electrical engineering in a country with the 2nd largest semiconductor industry in the world are very valuable for my future life.
When choosing my program, I was drawn to the pivotal role of electricity in the 21st century. The future revolves around renewables, clean energy, electric cars, and efficient electricity transmission. This fascinating field promises a bright future, which greatly appeals to me.
Prior to arriving in Taiwan, Mandarin was entirely foreign to me. It's a unique language, fundamentally different from English in its structure. Instead of alphabets and vowels, it uses hanzi (漢字) characters that are stringed together to form sentences. What impressed me most was how each character, formed by meaningful strokes, carries its own significance. While challenging, Mandarin's complexity fuels my curiosity and motivates me to study more.
Undoubtedly, language has been my greatest challenge. However, I prefer to focus on solutions rather than problems. To overcome this hurdle, I adhere to my "5 P's": Prayer, Priorities, Peace, Positivity, and Patience. I remind myself that the only way to improve is to keep learning, embracing Mandarin not just as a language but as a gateway to the rich culture behind it.
What impresses me most about Taiwan is its safety. I can explore freely without concern. Living in Taiwan is also very convenient. Facilities for pedestrians, for disabled people, and even for studying are all very convenient. People who are interested in learning are also greatly supported by the many museums, libraries, and historical sites. I found myself particularly drawn to the library. It has become my favorite place on campus, a sanctuary where I could expand my mind and learn something new every day.
Every single step in our path of achieving success is not always easy, so doing activities to allow us to enjoy life is a must. For me, one of these activities is to get to know the environment around me. I like to take walks to explore Taiwanese daily culture because everything is new and interesting for me.
Taiwan's diverse ethnic cultures fascinate me. Cheng Shiu University has done an excellent job introducing foreign students to local traditions. From our initial Kaohsiung tour, where we learned about public transportation, to celebrating Lunar New Year, making moon cakes during the Moon Festival, preparing rice dumplings (粽子) for the Dragon Boat Festival, and visiting sites like Fo Guang Shan—each experience has enriched my understanding of Taiwanese culture.
There's so much to learn and experience in Taiwan. The delicious food, safety, convenience, and countless opportunities for personal growth make it a destination I wholeheartedly recommend to friends and family.
Looking ahead, my goal is to live without reservations, fully committing to myself and simply being rather than trying to be. I aspire to achieve both financial and emotional independence. Ultimately, I hope to fulfill my father's dream of seeing his daughter stand confidently on her own feet.
