From Aceh to Kinmen: My Eye-Opening Exchange Experience in Taiwan
Hi everyone! I want to share my experience during the exchange program in Taiwan, National Quemoy University, where I’ve been studying from September 2024 up to January 2025. As a 5th-semester Management student of Universitas Syiah Kuala, this opportunity has been invaluable for me. From the beginning, I was curious about life in Taiwan and how studying here would be.
After going through a challenging application process—gathering documents and handling visa requirements. I finally arrived in Taiwan. One thing that immediately impressed me was the cleanliness and orderliness of the campus. However, I also experienced some culture shock. Some foods here are quite expensive, and finding halal food has proven to be more difficult than I had imagined. To solve these challenges, I decided to cook my meals. Not only is cooking at home significantly cheaper than eating out, but it also allows me to manage my diet better and save money. Fortunately, Kinmen has several vegetarian restaurants which are great alternatives. These options have helped me adapt more comfortably while maintaining a balance between my budget and dietary preferences.
At the campus, I enthusiastically enjoyed the various activities offered. Every week, I participated in fun workshops like painting and DIY projects. Additionally, we also enjoyed entertainment and interesting company visits. Especially on company visits I could see firsthand how the work environment is in Taiwan and gain new insights into different industries. Each company we visited had its uniqueness, history, and working style, which opened my mind to the diverse ways of working in different cultures. Each company we visited had its uniqueness, history, and working style, which opened my mind to the diverse ways of working in different cultures. For instance, we visited Maestro Wu, a company famous for its knives, which were originally crafted from bombshells left over from World War II. The intricate craftsmanship and the story behind each knife were truly inspiring. We also visited Dr. Wang’s Herbal Medicine Company, which produces traditional remedies. Dr. Wang himself was a dedicated doctor who served both military troops and local communities affected by conflict during the Chinese Civil War. These visits gave me a deeper appreciation of Taiwan’s rich history and innovative industries. The best part is that all of these activities were fully funded, so I didn’t have to worry about costs.
The professors here are very friendly and informative. They are always ready to help and explain the material well, making me feel comfortable asking questions. In terms of teaching and assessment systems, they are quite similar to those in Indonesia, encompassing attendance, midterms, final exams, and assignments. However, there are noticeable differences in other aspects. For example, in Indonesia, students are generally expected to dress formally and modestly for class. Here, the dress code is much more relaxed—students often wear casual attire like t-shirts, shorts, and even sandals. Another surprising cultural difference is the 15-minute break for every credit hour of class. This break is incredibly helpful for recharging and reflecting on the material before continuing with the lesson. Adjusting to these differences has been a unique and refreshing experience for me.
Furthermore, we have Mandarin classes for 15 hours each week taught byChén lǎoshī. Although it can be quite tiring, learning this language has greatly helped me communicate with residents.
One of the most memorable experiences for me was celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival for the first time. During this celebration, we were given mooncakes and pomelo fruit as part of the festivities. It was exciting to participate in this local tradition and experience the festival atmosphere with friends. We gathered in the campus area, shared stories, and enjoyed mooncakes together. This was a very valuable moment, as I felt more connected to Taiwanese culture.
I feel super lucky to have met friends from various countries. Every interaction provides a new perspective and enriches my understanding of different cultures. Moreover, my communication and teamwork skills have improved, especially when working on group projects.
This experience has not only changed my perspective on education but also on life itself. I learned how important it is to build networks and collaborate across cultures. The opportunity to study abroad has provided valuable lessons, both academically and personally. So, if you have the chance to participate in an exchange program, I highly recommend it!
