Let’s Enjoy Studying Abroad

By Jocy Su
Campus Reporter

Students showed their interests in studying abroad when they were visiting the “Let’s Enjoy Studying Abroad,” a study-abroad exposition at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) today.

"If I have a chance to study abroad, I would like to go to a European country, such as the U.K. or France, because the natural environment is more beautiful and the entire continent is simply full of arts and humanism.  But I am only interested in short graduate programs,” said Huang Chin-yi (黃錦怡), a sophomore from the Chinese department.

Huang made her remarks when she was approached at the scene during the exposition, which was organized by NTNU’s Office of Teacher Education and Careers Service (OTECS) at the main campus from 9am to 4pm.  A total of 25 tenants participated in the exposition and offered related information and advice to students who are interested or planning to study in a foreign country after they graduate from NTNU.

"NTNU offered the free open space for the event and these 25 tenants came to sponsor the activity.  That was why we had to pick the busiest day on the campus when most students would come, while this event would only last for one day to avoid serious impact of the regular workload of our tenants,” said Liu Yu-shan (劉育珊), a staff member for the OTECS.

A Ministry of Education (MOE) official, who wished to remain anonymous and was looking after MOE’s booth at the scene, said that shorter graduate programs are becoming more and more popular by Taiwanese students who are planning to study abroad after they finish colleges.

"The U.K., for example, most schools there offer one-year graduate programs so many Taiwanese students would be interested in those,” the official said.

Back on the campus at NTNU, Office of International Affairs (OIA) said that in average, about 20 to 30 students would file their applications for chances to be exchange students every year.

"The U.S., Canada and Japan are still students’ favorites,” said Jo Wang (王嘉瑜), an assistant for the OIA.

Among the 25 tenants, “J’s Study,” a magazine that offers information about studying in Japan, was the most popular booth at the scene.

"To compare with other countries, Japan is closer to Taiwan with similar culture background and social codes.  I think that is why Japan would become a priority for many students who are planning to study abroad,” said Lin Chun-hung (林俊宏), editor-in-chief for the magazine.

Jocelyn Chuang (莊庭慈), an English major student, complained about the limited time of the event.  She said that she did not have enough time to fully learn all necessary information about studying abroad from the event.

"It seems to be a good chance for me but it is only a one-day activity, while I do not have enough time here since I have classes to go to at the same time,” she said.