Unlocking Mandarin through My YEEP Journey in Taiwan

I participated in the Youth Elite Exchange Student (YEEP) program in 2022, fully funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan. Alongside 19 other selected students from Indonesia, India, Vietnam, and the Philippines, I embarked on a transformative journey to study at National Quemoy University Kinmen for a thrilling semester of six months (September 2022 – January 2023).

During this program, I took courses such as Introduction to Nanotechnology, Brand Management, and English Writing. The learning environment at NQU mirrored that of my home institution, Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), with a familiar methodology and approachable lecturers. However, the linguistic diversity presented a unique challenge, as some classes were conducted in Mandarin. This compelled me to take an active role in my language learning journey.

Beyond the formal curriculum, the program enriched us with courses in Chinese language and culture, Taiwan’s history, and eye-opening visits to local companies. A highlight for my friends and me was the opportunity to participate in a Mandarin learning presentation organized by OICA, where my team, the Indonesian team, proudly earned the title of the best presenter.

Amidst the academic pursuits, I engaged in a comprehensive Mandarin language and Culture training program facilitated by the National Quemoy University Language Center. Running for approximately one semester, the program transitioned from online classes before our arrival to in-person sessions four times a week, complemented by a weekly Mandarin cultural class exploring the artistic facets of Taiwanese culture.

The exchange student experience was meticulously curated, with monthly schedules packed with activities such as visits to historical sites, local companies, and lecture classes. The most satisfying language skill that I have mastered is the ability to communicate in Mandarin, a language often deemed one of the most challenging in the world.

Outside the campus, my affection for Kinmen, firstly underestimated, grew exponentially. Contrary to my initial assumptions, Kinmen proved to be a unique and lively small island. The convenience of free public buses and bicycles for students, coupled with an abundance of historical sites, made Kinmen an ideal location. Its proximity to Xiamen, just a 30-minute ferry ride away, added an extra layer of excitement to my study and living abroad adventure, making it almost perfect.