By: Olivia Ricaforte, BA International Studies student track in International Development and
Cooperation
My time at Hungkuang University in Taichung, Taiwan as one of the Far Eastern University (FEU) student representatives was an enriching experience for an International Studies student like me.
During the 14-day summer program (August 3 to 14, 2024), I went from learning about this country in the classroom to actually being there, experiencing it firsthand. Seeing the places I had only read about come to life was so surreal.
We followed a schedule that allowed us to make the most of each day. Our mornings were strictly for Mandarin classes, which were both fascinating and challenging. At FEU, I study Spanish as my foreign language, which made learning Mandarin feel especially challenging, given how different the two languages are. Thankfully, our instructor was patient and engaging, for which I’m very grateful. Equipped with the basics from my classes, I began using simple phrases and numbers to order food and interact with our Taiwanese buddies.
Our afternoons were filled with activities that took learning beyond the classroom. One of the most memorable parts of my experience was exploring Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage. As an IS student, visiting places like the National Palace Museum in Taipei felt like stepping into a live version of my first-year History of East Asia classes, where we studied different dynasties and their contributions. I was so amazed at how, even as Taiwan embraced modernity, its rich culture was still very much visible in everyday life.
In our Theories of Development class, we learned that Taiwan was once predominantly an agrarian country. Given that the Philippines shares a similar background, it makes me wonder, as a development student, if we can one day achieve a transformation like Taiwan’s.
Beyond the academic experience, the people I encountered were what truly made my experience in Taiwan unforgettable. Interacting with people from different countries really sparked my enthusiasm for International Studies as I listened to their stories from their countries (including a quick history chat with students from our ASEAN neighbors). Even after leaving Taiwan, we’ve remained close, staying in touch through social media and video calls.
I would like to express my gratitude to the Institute of Arts and Sciences, the Department of International Studies, and the FEU International Relations Office for letting me be part of this exchange programme.
Even as months go by, reflecting on my time in Taiwan and how beautiful the country is fills me with hope for the future of the Philippines. I also hope that, in the future, international students who visit the Philippines will feel as excited and enjoy their experiences here as much as I did in Taiwan.