Indonesia
What makes it unique is the balance of practical skills and theoretical knowledge; the curriculum covers everything from nutrition and restaurant management to traditional Chinese medicine.
My interest with the Mandarin language began in high school. That early spark grew into a clear ambition: I wanted to study abroad in a place where I could truly immerse myself and refine my skills. Taiwan stood out immediately as my top choice. It offers an exceptional learning environment and high-quality education, all while remaining remarkably affordable in terms of tuition and the general cost of living.
Studying here has been a deeply meaningful chapter of my life. Beyond the academic growth and the language proficiency I have gained, it has broadened my perspective. Living in Taiwan has allowed me to experience the local lifestyle firsthand while connecting with a diverse community of people from all over the world. These experiences have made my journey as an international student both valuable and memorable. 
The decision to attend Fo Guang University was driven by a personal passion that intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. My family and I follow a vegan diet, and during that time, I developed a strong interest in vegetarian culinary arts and vegan baking. I wanted my education to be a reflection of my lifestyle and values.
When I discovered the program at Fo Guang, I knew it was the right fit. It is incredibly comprehensive, offering specialized training in both Western and Chinese vegetarian culinary arts. What makes it unique is the balance of practical skills and theoretical knowledge; the curriculum covers everything from nutrition and restaurant management to traditional Chinese medicine. Having access to professional kitchen equipment and learning the standard operating procedures of a real-world kitchen has been both challenging and rewarding, giving me the confidence I need to succeed in the food industry.
My university is far more diverse, supportive, and full of potential than one might think. We have a vibrant, multicultural environment where students from various backgrounds exchange ideas and learn from one another. The support system here is also exceptional. Whether it is the convenience of the physical and electronic libraries or the guidance from faculty members who are always willing to help with academic or personal challenges, I always feel encouraged.
Even though I have a strong foundation, Mandarin remains a challenging language to master, especially when it comes to formal academic writing. Writing reports with the precision and vocabulary required for university-level work is a significant step up from daily conversation. Fortunately, the Chinese Language Center provides free classes to help us strengthen our foundation, ensuring we can communicate and study effectively.
I believe in staying active both inside and outside the classroom. During my time in Taiwan, I have pushed myself by participating in various singing and cooking competitions, as well as volunteering for university-organized events. These activities have been essential for developing my confidence and building a network of friends from different backgrounds.
One of my most cherished memories was participating in a 2023 singing competition organized by the Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations. It was a wonderful platform to perform, but more importantly, it helped me build deep connections with the Indonesian Overseas Chinese community. Meeting fellow Indonesians studying here made my experience feel much more like home and added a layer of community to my time abroad.
The transition from student to professional is well-supported here through extensive internship opportunities and industry collaborations. These programs allow us to take the theories we learn in lectures and apply them directly to real working environments, both in Taiwan and abroad. "Learning by doing" is the fastest way to master the practical skills the industry demands.
These experiences have significantly shaped my view of the future. Many companies offer international students job opportunities immediately following their internships, often with competitive salaries. This makes the path to staying and working in Taiwan very clear and accessible.
As I look toward graduation, I intend to stay and build my career in Taiwan. The country provides a wealth of opportunities for overseas Chinese students to grow professionally and personally. Beyond the career prospects, I truly value the work-life balance that Taiwan offers. It is a place where professional income aligns with a high quality of life, allowing me to enjoy my daily existence while pursuing my ambitions. My time here has not just been about getting a degree; it has been about finding a place where I can truly thrive.
