Mongolia
One of the most helpful learning resources is the academic alliance between three universities: NTUST, NTU, and NTNU.
My decision to study in Taiwan was not shaped by a single moment, but by my faith in Christ and a series of meaningful experiences that left a lasting impression on me. When I first visited in 2013 for the International Global Talentpreneur Competition, everything felt new and unfamiliar. Yet, what I remember most clearly is not the competition itself, but the kindness of the people I met. Every morning, I would pass an elderly lady in the hotel corridor. Although we did not share a common language, she greeted me daily with a warm smile, gently patting my shoulders and speaking in Chinese. I could not understand her words, but I could feel the sincerity behind them; she reminded me of my own grandmother. That simple daily interaction, filled with warmth despite the language barrier, was my first glimpse of the genuine friendliness of Taiwanese people.
My perception of the country deepened through experiences of safety and mentorship. I remember hesitating to visit a night market at 10:00 p.m., as going out that late is considered unsafe in my home country. Seeing families and students enjoying the evening peacefully made me realize how welcoming Taiwan truly was. Later, in 2018, while collaborating with a Taiwanese company, the president and senior managers treated my colleagues and me with remarkable kindness, welcoming us as if we were their own children. From them, I learned about humility, dedication, and the value of community. The country is not only academically strong and technologically advanced, but also deeply human at its core. When it came time to pursue further studies, I prayed for guidance, and Taiwan was the only choice that remained in my heart. Studying here represents more than academic growth for me; it is also an opportunity to learn from a kind and welcoming community that has inspired me since my very first visit.
I believe that my decision to study at NTUST was guided by God’s intervention. When I first decided to pursue my studies here, I did not know which university would be most suitable; my only goal was to find a strong program in computer science. I prayed for guidance and then searched Google for the “top university in computer science in Taiwan.” The first result was NTUST. I explored the programs, liked what I saw, and applied directly without further research.
Interestingly, during my first semester, a labmate suggested I consider transferring to one of the other "famous" universities. When I tried to recreate my original search, I could no longer find NTUST on the first page of results at all. However, this only served to confirm my direction. Instead of doubting my choice, this experience strengthened my belief that my path to NTUST was not a coincidence. I believe God led me to here according to His will, and I have been grateful for that guidance ever since.
My enrollment in this program was driven by a desire to apply artificial intelligence to healthcare, shaped by personal experience. In my home country of Mongolia, misdiagnosis remains a common challenge. I once had a giant cell tumor in my finger that was misdiagnosed as a bone infection. As a result, I was prescribed a month of unnecessary high-dose antibiotics and was told that amputation might be the only treatment option. By God's grace, I sought a second opinion before beginning treatment. A doctor who had recently returned from working in Korea correctly diagnosed the tumor and successfully treated it through surgery, saving my finger. 
I also saw the impact of medical errors through a friend who permanently lost her hearing as a child after being given the wrong medication. These experiences showed me how serious the consequences of diagnostic and treatment errors can be.
They inspired my interest in using artificial intelligence to support medical decision-making. I am particularly interested in developing AI-based diagnostic tools that can help healthcare professionals make more accurate decisions, reduce preventable errors, and improve patient outcomes, especially in underserved healthcare systems.
My university is far more supportive, flexible, and resourceful than one might expect. I have particularly appreciated the academic freedom; my professors do not pressure me to follow a specific topic but encourage me to explore what genuinely interests me. This trust has allowed me to grow both academically and personally. 
One of the greatest challenges I faced was taking a deep learning course taught entirely in Mandarin during my first semester. Although I could only recognize a few basic words such as “hao” and “ni,” my professor encouraged me to enroll in the course. While the lectures were delivered in Mandarin, the presentation slides were in English, which allowed me to follow the key concepts. During class, I carefully noted important key terms, then spent hours in the library after class teaching myself the material and filling in the gaps in my understanding. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to learn independently. I am grateful for my professor’s encouragement and for the challenge itself, as it helped me develop discipline, resilience, and a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence.
During my studies, I have learned about Taiwanese culture and engaged with the local community. For three semesters, I volunteered with the International Companions for Learning (ICL) program, where I worked with children in rural public schools. I shared Mongolian culture and traditions with them and encouraged them to learn more about the world.
One of my most memorable experiences was a trip to Matsu Island. There, I watched elderly residents exercise together to music in a public space. Seeing how they gathered regularly and supported one another gave me a deeper appreciation for Taiwan’s strong sense of community.
One of the most helpful learning resources is the academic alliance between three universities: NTUST, NTU, and NTNU. Through this collaboration, students can take courses offered by any of these three universities. This provides access to a wider range of professors, subjects, and research areas, which makes it much easier to study topics that match our academic interests and research goals. This flexibility has been very valuable for expanding my learning opportunities.
So, I have balanced my PhD studies at NTUST with a second master’s program at NTU to specialize in medical devices and imaging. I was honored to receive the Honorable Mention Award for Graduate Student Outstanding Publication at the NTU School of Medicine. Additionally, my advisor, Professor Pao, gave me the opportunity to serve as a teaching assistant and even lecture at Chenggong High School. Explaining complex AI concepts to younger students has been incredibly meaningful and has helped me discover a genuine love for education. Sharing my knowledge with younger students was a meaningful experience and reinforced my interest in education and knowledge sharing.
These experiences helped me develop skills in research, teaching, and cultural exchange while studying in Taiwan.
While I have not fully decided on my next step, I continue to reflect on my future and seek God's guidance. One path that strongly interests me is an academic career. Through the opportunities and encouragement provided by my advisor, I discovered that I enjoy teaching, explaining ideas, and being part of the academic community. I hope to continue researching artificial intelligence in healthcare and contribute to solutions that can help improve medical diagnosis and patient care.
Taiwan has provided me with a supportive academic environment, excellent research opportunities, and a welcoming community. Looking back on my journey, I am grateful for the guidance, opportunities, and people who have shaped my experience. I thank my professors for their mentorship, my university for its support, and Taiwan for giving me the opportunity to learn, grow, and pursue my goals. Above all, I thank God for faithfully guiding my path and blessing me throughout this journey.
