Philippines
NCU is a highly competitive school for physics research, having many great professors and offering multiple specialized fields of study.
My journey in Taiwan began with a brief two-month internship at NDHU during my undergraduate studies. During that short time, I fell in love with the culture and the environment. More importantly, that experience is where I found my passion for conducting state-of-the-art physics experiments. When it came time to choose a location for my graduate studies, it was a no-brainer; Taiwan offers a great daily environment alongside access to bleeding-edge academic research, particularly in the field of physics.
Physics has been my lifelong dream since I was a child, so pursuing a master’s and now a PhD is an easy choice for me. I have always loved tinkering with electronics and designing experiments, which makes this path feel like a natural extension of who I am.
I chose National Central University (NCU) largely based on the feedback I received from Filipino NCU alumni. According to them, NCU is a highly competitive school for physics research, having many great professors and offering multiple specialized fields of study. Beyond its academic reputation, NCU also offers excellent scholarships for overseas students, which was a significant factor in my decision.
I was fortunate enough to receive the MOE scholarship for my master’s, which allowed me to participate in various scholarship events, and I have since received the NSTC-GRF scholarship for my PhD. These opportunities have been vital in supporting my academic focus.
As an experimental physicist, I have the privilege of using cutting-edge scientific equipment every single day in our laboratory. My work goes beyond just theory; I regularly utilize our department’s machine shop to build and refine my projects. In my daily field of work, I rely heavily on the school's easy access to physics journals and the specific software licenses provided by the university, both of which are essential for my research.
Our department also frequently hosts industry collaborators who teach us about new, cutting-edge systems for use in academic research. Attending these seminars allows me to learn a great deal about the current landscape of technology and how it integrates with our scientific goals.
My university is far more than just a place to learn and study—it is a community. If I had to describe the school, I would say it is incredibly friendly, welcoming, and fun. Everyone on campus, including the students, staff, professors, and even visitors, goes out of their way to be kind. Life on campus is truly enjoyable.
When I need to focus intensely on my studies or prepare for an exam, I especially appreciate the iHouse. It provides a cozy, quiet environment that is particularly useful during the cold winter months when I need a comfortable space to concentrate.
Living in Taiwan is not without its challenges, the most significant being the Mandarin language. The hardest part for me is familiarizing myself with the tonal nature of the language. It is quite difficult to distinguish between the different tones, especially when the locals speak very quickly.
Looking toward the future, my plan after graduation is to return to my home country and become a professor. However, my study experience here has had a lasting influence on my aspirations. Given the high quality of research and the relationships I have built, I intend to collaborate with Taiwanese institutions as much as possible on future research projects.
