My name is Cin Wen, I’m a year two student of Overseas Youth Vocational Training Program (Multimedia Design) in Da-Yeh University at Changhua, Taiwan. I’ll be 25 years old in this coming August; among all of my classmates who are below 20 years old, I’m slightly older compare to them. I’ve spent 2 years completed my Diploma in Business Administration back in Malaysia, and another 1 year to complete my certificate program in interior design in Singapore. However, multimedia design has always been what I really want to do in my life since I was young. Hence, after a few years of working life, I’ve managed to be financially independent and able to support myself to pursue what I’m passionate in; and also, what I’ve always dreamed of… start my journey with multimedia design!

1. What made you decide to study in Taiwan?

After a few years of working in Singapore, I realized I should have stepped out from my comfort zone and do something really meaningful in my life. Out of a sudden, my friend mentioned to me that his brother is taking an overseas program and learning to be a bakery in Taiwan, and the course fee is affordable. After a few rounds of Q&A session and some research, I found out that Malaysia government has subsidized for the Overseas Youth Vocational Training Program in Taiwan, that’s the reason why the tuition fees are much more affordable compared to the others countries. Besides, I am also attracted by the lifestyle, culture and most importantly the friendly Taiwanese in Taiwan. One of the most considering factors was language. I’m Malaysian Chinese, and my mother tongue is Mandarin, which means there is no language barrier in Taiwan at all!

2. Briefly tell us about the program you are studying. What subjects are you studying? What have you enjoyed the most in your studies?

I am currently studying Overseas Youth Vocational Training Program (Multimedia Design). The subjects that I’m taking includes 2D animation, 3D animation, Game Create, Comics and Scripts, Model Making and etc. Frankly, I enjoyed all of the subjects, they are complex yet interesting. There are always new things to explore, new techniques to learn; therefore, I’ve always looking forward to every of my classes.

3. How is studying in Taiwan when compared to studying and being a student in your home country? (Teaching Quality、Environment、School Equipment、Laboratory or others)

First of all, the teachers in Taiwan are very kind, caring, patient, and constantly giving support to their students when they need advices. They patiently explain and guide us through every obstacles and problems we faced, and encourage us to be bold to always think out of the box. Other than making sure we’re studying hard, they always encourage us to take this opportunity to try new things, experience the foods, places and culture in Taiwan. With regards to school equipment, it is quite similar with what we have in Malaysia. However, the weather, it’s quite different. In Malaysia, we have 2 season all year round: Dry and wet season (monsoon). Contrarily, there are 4 seasons in Taiwan, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter; and with this reason, Taiwan is covered with lots of flora and fauna which has formed a spectacular scenery.

4. What has been the most difficult part about applying to study in Taiwan? How did you overcome the difficulty?

Making the right choice of university was the most challenging part while applying to study in Taiwan. There are a lot of universities in Taiwan, it was quite confusing and difficult to make decision without proper research. That’s why I’ve spent a lot of time to research and went through all the possible choices of the courses, subjects and universities that are available in Taiwan. Finally, I’ve chosen Da-Yeh University to finish my Bachelor Degree.

5. What do you plan to do after you have finish your studies in Taiwan? Would you like to stay in Taiwan?  Why? 

I would definitely like to stay in Taiwan after I complete my studies because multimedia design/ animation industry is more developed in here compare to Malaysia. As such, I will have more and better opportunity to get a job and apply what’ve learned here; and continue to learn what I have always loved. Moreover, the people here are really nice and kind, they always help and take care of each other like a big family, it makes me feel comfortable and I want to be part of this family.

6. How do you think studying in Taiwan can benefit you in your future career?

As mentioned before, Taiwan is well known of the animation industry. All of the lecturers from our university are professional and expert in the field. They generously share with us their skills, practical knowledge and real-life experience which are extremely useful in our career in the near future. With the learning environment like this, I’m confident that I will be much competitive than the local graduates in Malaysia.

7. What do you see as your key achievements when studying in Taiwan?

The valuable knowledge and skills that I’ve learned from my lecturers. Besides, I’ve also learned to observe the new culture and adjust myself to adapt in order to blend in the new environment. Consequently, I’ve increased my cultural intelligence, and this is what we cannot get just from the book.

8. What advice do you have for other interested overseas students who want to come to Taiwan to study?

Making the right and wise choice of the subjects and universities, it determines a big part of your future career path. Most importantly, don’t forget the main reason why you decided to come here and pursue your dream. In the meantime, put your best effort in study and take your time to enjoy Taiwan. “Do what you love and Love what you do”