Hey everyone! We're Hoang Van Anh (QH2021-E QTKD CLC 3) and Pham Thi Ngoc Lan (QH2022-E KTQT 1), two students from VNU-UEB. We recently had the most incredible opportunity to participate in an international exchange program at National ChengChi University (NCCU) in Taiwan. Seriously, this was the highlight of our entire university experience! Not only did we learn in a dynamic and multicultural environment, but we also got to explore Taiwan's rich culture through amazing trips and connections with friends from all over the world. Get ready to follow our exciting journey and hear all about it!

Starting the Adventure - Butterflies and Big Dreams!

On an early September day in 2024, while Hanoi was still bathed in the last rays of summer, we excitedly dragged our suitcases to Noi Bai Airport. It was our first time studying abroad, and the fact that we were doing it together made the whole experience even more exciting (and a little nerve-wracking!). On our China Airlines flight, our hearts raced as we thought about the new life that was about to begin in Taiwan. Through the airplane window, fluffy white clouds seemed to be welcoming us to new experiences.

After landing at Taoyuan Airport, we took the MRT and a taxi to our dormitory. As soon as we dropped off our suitcases in our room, we were invited to dinner by other exchange students. They were from all over the world - the US, Sweden, the UK, France, Turkey, and more! We shared stories about our cultures, and the excitement for the new semester washed away all the fatigue from the long flight. Our first night in Taiwan ended with refreshing bubble teas from the famous 50嵐 shop and plans for the journey ahead.

Orientation Days and Campus Life at NCCU

The first few days at NCCU were busy and exciting, filled with a series of Orientation Days for international students. During the opening ceremony in the main hall, we received a very warm welcome. We were given detailed instructions about the school's learning system, how to register for courses, how to protect ourselves during earthquakes, and so much more.

After the helpful orientation sessions, we had time to explore the campus before classes officially started. Our first impression of NCCU was that it was very spacious, well-equipped, and filled with greenery. There are three libraries for students to study and research, and getting a library card and borrowing books was super easy.

In addition, other school facilities such as dormitories, classrooms, and gyms were well-invested, including a gym, swimming pool, running track, and badminton court for those who wanted to play sports.

As for housing, exchange students were placed on one floor together, so we were happy that we could get to know most of the other exchange students. And it was so fun that whenever we randomly met each other, we could chat about everything under the sun about movies or music with our Korean and Japanese friends. Those unexpected conversations made dormitory life closer and more memorable. The school arranged for us to live with a Vietnamese friend, so it was easy to get acquainted and help each other every day. Our dormitory, Dorm 9, was located on a mountain, about a 15-minute walk from the school buildings. The facilities weren't too new, but they were fully equipped and clean. There were full dining halls, self-study rooms, kitchens, and refrigerators for student use, and especially the dormitory prices were very affordable.

Next, we want to share about our learning experiences here.

(1) Teaching Style: The teachers are very enthusiastic and care about their students. Because it was our first time studying abroad, we were a little worried because we would have to study in a foreign language. However, the teachers all had very good English, always listened to our questions, and answered them in a timely manner. In particular, teachers always encouraged students to express their opinions and often gave praise and encouragement. This is what we really liked about this environment.

One class we both got to take together was Cross Border Digital Trade, or E-Commerce. And it was interesting that most of the students were exchange students, so the classroom atmosphere was always lively and multicultural. Each class was a fascinating journey as we not only learned from dedicated lecturers but also learned from each other, and heard stories about e-commerce from different countries.

(2) Exams: The grading components are divided into many tests or presentations. Therefore, students must follow closely and focus, trying throughout the semester to achieve good results. Exams are very serious and also emphasize student creativity. Therefore, some days we were in the library until midnight or spent the whole Saturday and Sunday studying. At times, we also felt the pressure of studying in this competitive environment, as Taiwanese and other exchange students were very good and diligent.

(3) Friends: The students come from so many different countries that we learned a lot about different cultures and perspectives from them. Language skills and self-confidence were also significantly improved. Although we had only known each other for a short period of time, they were all very friendly and enthusiastically helped us in our studies. And those friends later accompanied us throughout so many memories in Taiwan.

Finally, in addition to our memories at school, we also have many beautiful memories with our friends, experiencing many interesting things during our exchange period. Together, we visited landmarks in Taipei as well as other cities in Taiwan and learned many great things from the history, culture, and politics of this island.

After school hours, we often took advantage of the weekends to explore places around Taipei such as Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the National Palace Museum, Wulai Spring as in the picture above, or further away places such as Tamshui Sea, Keelung with beautiful blue sea, and fresh air...

At the end of the semester, we had about 2 weeks to stay in this beautiful island, so we planned to travel to other cities in Taiwan such as Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. In contrast to Taipei's developed transportation network such as MRT and widespread bus routes, other cities were not equipped as well, but they brought a very peaceful beauty and retained many ancient features, which had similarities with Vietnam. Especially Tainan - which used to be the capital of Taiwan - still has many historical values for those who want to learn.

Thus, our exchange trip last semester ended with so many beautiful memories and new experiences that we had never had before. We learned a lot from teachers and friends such as diligence, effort, and differences from cultures. Taiwan is a very friendly and open place for foreigners. So, if you intend to exchange here, don't hesitate and register now! This is a great opportunity and also a privilege for UEB students as the school focuses on international cooperation and development. We believe that you will have wonderful and valuable experiences during the beautiful time of your youth.