My name is Zoe Cheang, and I am a Year 3 Student from the College of Integrative Studies at Singapore Management University. I was motivated to do an exchange semester abroad somewhere in Asia, and Taipei specifically seemed like a lovely place to put myself for the next 4 months. Its a safe location, filled with good food and so many fun activities - from going around night markets, trying out different bubble tea brands and being outdoors — by the beach or in the mountains. Academics wise, the courses offered at NCCU are very relevant and interesting compared to the other unis. It has only been three weeks of school, but I can already feel the difference in teaching pedagogy here. For me, that's the interesting part of exchange — to experience something (and everything) differently, even if it pushes me out of my comfort zone. The courses at NCCU (relative to the other unis in Taiwan) also felt more tailored to my degree - an integrative major on sociology and public policy in climate risk, impact and development.
My advice (specific to "Why Asia?") will be to know and choose what you want! Many of my friends chose Europe/America and I will admit, the grass does look greener on the other side sometimes, but I am SO SO happy to be here and am having so much fun!! Taiwan (specifically Taipei?) has a big art scene and for someone like me, it's been so fascinating exploring around (such as Taipei's Art Book Fair and Biennial)."
I have also attached some photos. In order, (1) I went to a Lantern Festival at Shifen with Daphne on the last day of Chinese New Year. Surreal experience. (2+3) It's Cherry Blossom season right now and these were trees at Yang Ming Shan National Park. (4) Taipei Art Book Fair!!! So so so cool and fun, really different from SG's Art Book Fair. There were booths from all over the world too so it was pretty interesting and diverse in that sense. (5) Quintessential bubble tea — this brand (Dragon Horn) in particular is near NCCU and my favourite so far. (6) Traditional Taiwanese Breakfast at Sihai Soy Milk. We ordered dumplings, soy milk and pork chop bao.
