Mikoto – National Chengchi University – Taiwan
Semester 2, 2024 & Semester 1, 2025
Bachelor of Business – International
Hi! My name is Mikoto, and I am currently studying for a Bachelor of Business, majoring in International Business. Being one of the lucky students doing BS08, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad for one year – and my choice of destination was… Taiwan!
Now, Taiwan, believe it or not, is one of the most minor exchange destinations. In fact, when I participated in Exchange 103, I was the only person going there. No friends nor familiar faces unfortunately so I was kind of worried. But looking back, did I regret choosing Taiwan? Not at all! I am 100% satisfied with my time there, and I hope through this blog, more people will consider choosing this beautiful part of Asia.
Why did I choose Taiwan?
I had actually been to Taiwan once before and that first experience had a major influence in my decision. What stood out to me then was the cheap and delicious food, the kind-hearted locals who will help you even if there is a language barrier, and the rich culture.
Living in Taiwan for almost a full year only reinforced those impressions. I could buy cheap food anywhere at any time (I ordered UberEats at least three times a week which in Australia would be almost never). Also, the locals were genuinely super friendly, even the older locals who would casually help me out when in need.
Additionally, safety was on another level – I went clubbing in the city centre and stayed out until 4am but had no issues walking the streets by myself. Also no one would steal your stuff even if you leave your items out in the open (the only thing that may go missing is your umbrella!).
Speaking of umbrellas…
If you are in Taiwan, an umbrella is a necessity. Especially in Taipei where during the fall season it would rain almost every day. In my first semester, I could even count the days it was sunny and that was usually right before a typhoon would hit! On the plus side, winters aren’t too cold and not too long. Also it does get relatively humid so I would always have a dehumidifier in my dorm.
University Life
Studying at National Chengchi University (NCCU) was so much fun and for the first time, I really felt like I was living the dream “university life”. The university is located just 20 minutes away from the city centre and is nestled near popular tourist spots such as Taipei Zoo and Maokong Gondola, which takes you to Maokong – known for its scenic tea plantations. I have been there countless times with my friends to take a breather.
As a business student, NCCU was my top choice in Taiwan as they are one of the top business schools in the country. The courses offered were diverse and unique unlike anything I could learn at QUT, and the professors and staff were incredibly welcoming. There were also many student clubs (some that I had never heard of like a fire dance club), cultural events, and monthly on-campus markets selling cheap but good food, clothes, and accessories.
I stayed in an international dorm filled with other exchange students and that community was very diverse, with students from Europe, the Americas, and Asia. I was also lucky to meet three incredible best friends that I met through a university social club connecting local and international students. We did everything together: from food adventures to weekend trips. Two of them even came to visit me in Australia after the program!
There are also various volunteering opportunities offered by the universities in Taiwan such as the International Companions for Learning (ICL) program funded by the Taiwanese Ministry of Education. This program allowed me to partner up with a group of local elementary school kids and learn about each other’s cultures through a weekly online meeting. I was also able to visit the kids in person through a fully funded school trip. ICL also offers opportunities to visit other regional schools like those located in the islands which are again fully funded!
Final Thoughts
If any of you are wanting an exchange experience in Asia or who are interested in meeting a diverse group of people and trying something new, please give Taiwan a go! You’ll discover a rich, vibrant culture, feel welcomed wherever you are, and build friendships and memories of a lifetime.
Find out more on how you can apply: Student Exchange
