South Africa
The resources in Taiwan in the technology sector are so abundant that I feel I will learn a lot here.
Growing up in South Africa, I loved computers since I was very young and thoroughly enjoyed programming during high school. It was natural for me to study something technology-related, and computer science seemed the most promising. The resources in Taiwan in the technology sector are so abundant that I feel I will learn a lot here. When deciding where to apply, I chose Tamkang University (TKU) because I have a family member who studied here and told me it is a really good university.
On campus, I've found that the staff are very helpful to all students. The library is easily one of my favorite spots on campus; it has a large selection of books and excellent areas to sit. I really enjoy using the small study rooms available there because you can sit by yourself and study in a secluded area. While I have not participated in any major projects or achieved specific milestones yet, I am looking forward to being part of one in the future.
Living here has pushed me to grow immensely. From figuring out the trash truck system (hearing Beethoven's "Für Elise") to registering complex paperwork at local ministries, my self-reliance has skyrocketed. I've truly come to realize that confusion is just the first step toward competence.
Learning Mandarin has been part of that developmental journey. The characters are very difficult for me, but the teachers do their best to guide me through the challenge.
After graduation, I plan to work here in Taiwan for a few years, and in the future, hopefully go back to South Africa for holidays. For fellow international students who are considering studying in Taiwan, my absolute biggest piece of advice is: don't wait until you land to figure out the infrastructure. Do your research before you land so your life becomes easier. Specifically, make sure you understand these three areas:
The EasyCard: This is your lifeline. It’s not just for the MRT and buses; you will use it to pay at convenience stores, public bike rentals (YouBike), and even some casual restaurants.
The High-Tech Transit Reality: Between the MRT (subway), local trains (TRA), High-Speed Rail (HSR), city buses, and YouBike share networks, you can get almost anywhere without a car. Stations and buses are heavily bilingual, making physical navigation much easier for non-Mandarin speakers.
The App Strategy: Keep a robust dictionary app like Pleco downloaded on your home screen, alongside Google Maps (which is incredibly accurate for Taiwan's bus and train timings) and the official Bus+ app. Having immediate access to character stroke-recognition or optical character recognition (OCR) scanning ensures that unexpected maintenance notices, route changes, or regional platform signs never slow you down.
