雅各
ndhu
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west community centre (wcc)
As an international student and first-time traveler to Asia, National Dong Hwa University (NDHU) has served as a valuable and memorable home. For my part, I’m here studying Chinese at the University’s Chinese Language Center (CLC).
This short blog is my perspective on my time at NDHU, and I hope it might help answer some important questions for prospective students and travelers to Taiwan, Hualien and the east coast alike.
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I selected NDHU and Taiwan’s east coast for many reasons. Notably, beyond the area’s natural beauty, I wanted a quieter, healthy atmosphere and a more immersive environment for language learning.
Likewise, the CLC here was organized and supportive.
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Given Taiwan’s well-maintained cycling and rail infrastructure, living on the east coast outside a major city has not meant isolation. Instead, getting around is cheap and easy compared to my experience back home in Canada.
Taipei is a short rail trip away, Taroko National Park - a stone's throw, and the whole region is teeming with exceptional hiking and scenic experiences.
It seems the university and local governments are also regularly seeking feedback to improve the expat experience further.
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cafeteria building
As an expat here, you are constantly reminded of how tremendously friendly, kind and hard-working Taiwanese people are.
My experience with the university staff, no matter their position or role, has been no different. The same can also be said for the local shopkeepers in neighboring Zhixue Village, where students are spoiled for choice in the culinary department.
One quick train stop northbound to Ji’an, or two to Hualien opens up your options even more. Almost everything one needs can be found here, given Hualien is the biggest city on the east coast.
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west community centre (wcc)
As with any experience moving abroad, the process of settling in and adjusting to local life is not without a few challenges. To me, however, this is one of the most valuable experiences travel provides (especially when living or studying abroad), as it quickly forces the development of one's independence, resilience and adaptability.
Nonetheless, I found the bureaucratic processes required of me comparatively straightforward and streamlined. Of course everyone’s situation is different, but for someone who knew no Mandarin coming here, I found the systems in place navigable and logical.
And whenever you reach those inevitable moments of confusion, many Taiwanese and expats are more than happy to help. The great friends you will make here will also be invaluable supports.
Here I might also point you to the helpful online resources available. Beyond expat blogs, another indispensable resource are the Facebook groups for foreigners in Hualien (with a very handy ‘Guides’ Section), and for International Students at NDHU.
but
you need not take my word for it.
The established and growing international student community all have their own stories of why they call NDHU and Hualien their home.
Ask around, maybe your story includes NDHU too.
*all photos shot on iPhone 8