students opinion

Summary

The video features a conversation among Indonesian students studying in Taiwan, sharing their experiences and challenges. They discuss the cultural and academic adjustments, including the language barrier, studying in English, and dealing with Chinese lectures. One student highlights the difficulty of finding halal food and the hope for more accessible options. They also touch on the support from their professors and lab mates, the importance of prayer spaces, and their overall experience in adapting to life abroad. Their message to incoming students is to embrace the journey with joy and perseverance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Alida, Misa, and Andre are Indonesian students studying in Taiwan, and they share their experiences with others.
• 😀 Andre is in his first semester, studying aquaculture, and hopes to help other Indonesian students pursuing studies in Taiwan.
• 😀 The students are generally happy about the opportunities to learn and grow in Taiwan despite facing challenges.
• 😀 One of the students mentions that studying in Taiwan can be more intense initially, but they feel happy due to the new experiences.
• 😀 Language is a challenge for some students, especially since many courses are taught in Chinese, requiring the use of tools like Google Translate.
• 😀 The students appreciate that their professors are friendly, supportive, and provide flexibility for conducting experiments.
• 😀 In food science, language barriers are particularly significant, as most lectures are in Chinese, making communication difficult.
• 😀 Their lab mates are supportive, speaking English and helping bridge communication gaps despite some language challenges.
• 😀 The Chinese language classes are described as difficult, but the students have learned enough to communicate to some extent.
• 😀 One of the major difficulties faced is finding halal food, particularly when campus options are limited, requiring the students to travel far for halal meals.
• 😀 Despite the challenges, the students feel supported by the university, especially in religious matters, where there is a space provided for prayers, with the hope for a designated prayer area in the future.

Q & A

What is the background of the speakers in the video?

The speakers are Indonesian students studying in Taiwan. They introduce themselves as Alida, Misa, Andre Scanda, and others, with backgrounds in various departments like aquaculture and food science.

How do the students feel about their studies in Taiwan?

The students express mixed feelings. While the studies are challenging and the environment is stricter than what they are used to, they also feel happy and excited about the many new experiences and things they are learning.

What challenges do the students face while studying in Taiwan?

Language barriers are a significant challenge for the students. Some courses, especially in the food science department, are taught in Chinese, requiring the use of Google Translate or assistance from friends.

How do the professors in their departments treat the students?

The professors are described as friendly and supportive. They give students the freedom to conduct experiments and learn at their own pace. The professors also provide an encouraging and positive learning environment.

What is the situation regarding halal food for Muslim students in Taiwan?

Halal food is somewhat difficult to find, and students have to travel far from campus to access it. They suggest that the university could provide more halal food options for Muslim students.

How do the students feel about their Chinese language classes?

The students find the Chinese classes challenging but manageable. They can speak a little Chinese, and the teachers are very supportive and helpful, making the learning experience more accessible.

What is the status of prayer facilities for Muslim students at the university?

There is a designated prayer space in the department and theater, but the students are waiting for formal permission to create a more permanent and private space for prayers. They hope to have a new prayer space next semester.

What is the general atmosphere among the students regarding lab work and teamwork?

The students describe their lab mates as supportive and helpful. Despite some language barriers, their lab mates can speak English, making communication easier. The overall teamwork is positive, and everyone works well together.

What advice do the students have for new international students?

The students advise new students to enjoy their experience, stay happy, and not over-stress about studying. They emphasize doing their best while balancing the challenges of academic life.

What were some of the smaller problems faced by the students in Taiwan?

Apart from food and language difficulties, the students mention that finding halal food and adjusting to different cultural norms are some of the smaller problems they face while living and studying in Taiwan.