Taiwan is widely recognized as one of Asia’s top study destinations. Renowned for its safe and comfortable lifestyle, the country offers international students exceptional teaching quality, state-of-the-art campus facilities, affordability, and an environment highly conducive to expatriates.
While there’s much to gain from studying in a country like Taiwan, there are also some cons/drawbacks that students must be aware of ahead of time. This article objectively discusses the pros and cons of studying in Taiwan. If you’re uncertain whether Taiwan is the right destination for you, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Pros / Advantages of the Education System in Taiwan
Taiwan’s beautiful scenery and rich culture aren’t something unheard of. This country has way more to offer to international students. Here are some benefits of the country’s education system and what you can expect to gain out of the educational journey that’s ahead of you.
1. Affordable Tuition
The perfect balance between teaching excellence and affordable education is often unattainable. Yet, Taiwan, among most Asian countries, outshines with its highly dependable and affordable course offerings. Additionally, the country’s notable efforts in supporting international students through scholarships are internationally commended.
Scholarship programs like the MOE Taiwan Scholarship Program and the MOFA Taiwan Scholarship are some state-offered scholarships specifically intended for international students. International students also have the option of receiving financial aid from universities through initiatives such as the NTU International Undergraduate Student Scholarship.
2. Well-curated Higher Education System
The curricula, academic resources, and top-notch teaching complement the university system of Taiwan. The nearly 150 universities in the country consistently produce graduates with some of the best grades in the world.
Undergraduate and postgraduate programs offered in Taiwan are available in a wide range of disciplines, some of them entirely conducted in English. If a student is inclined toward learning the Mandarin language, they can benefit from the language programs offered at Taiwanese universities, which they are specifically known for.
3. Employment Opportunities
Taiwan’s economy has been flourishing over the recent decades. The country has become one of the wealthiest in the region, opening up countless industrial opportunities regardless of discipline. While the job market is still relatively competitive, international students may explore employment opportunities in a country with high salaries.
Graduates from top Taiwanese universities are ranked as some of the most employable globally, especially in technology. The country’s higher education landscape which is slightly emphatic about STEM programs ensures that students are industry-ready when graduating.
4. General Demographic Benefits
The population in Taiwan is diverse, making it a welcoming place for expats. Thanks to the country’s impressive facilities and affordable living, it continues to attract international attention for work and studies. Taiwan is rich in culture, with significant recognition for its cuisines, cultural events, and breathtaking scenery.
Taiwan constantly ranks among the safest countries in the world. This is because it has a stable government, lower crime rates, and comfortable and reliable public facilities. The healthcare system in Taiwan is also distinguished globally.
Cons / Drawbacks of the Education System in Taiwan
Unfamiliarity can truly be overwhelming as an international student. It’s best to inform yourself about the potential challenges you might face during your studies if you are planning to pursue your degree in Taiwan.
1. Academic Pressure
University curricula across disciplines are considered very challenging in Taiwan. With the culture of the job market placing a large emphasis on the requirement of formal education, many students, domestic and international, experience a lot of pressure to perform well and get into top universities.
In addition to this, the higher education system of the country is designed to prioritize and focus on STEM fields. This extra focus on STEM fields might leave other academic disciplines underdeveloped and might create a lot of pressure for students following STEM subjects.
2. Competitive Job Market
While the country’s economy has opened up many job opportunities across industries, the job market is still very competitive. This could be because of the undue amount of importance placed on qualifications. Over 90% of students continue with higher education in the country, leading to a surplus of graduates.
Some fields are more saturated compared to others. Students who follow popular educational programs might not necessarily find employment opportunities in their respective fields right after graduation. This has led many employees to work jobs that are out of the scope of their education.
3. Unequal Opportunities
Even though the university system in the country is constantly evolving for the better, some universities in rural areas in Taiwan still fall short of meeting the standards of other urban universities. This has caused the local community to gain an edge over international students by ensuring that they are placed in all the best universities in urban areas of the country.
While there are educational programs offered in English, there are other courses that are inaccessible to international students because of the language barrier.
4. Adapting to the New Environment
Regardless of the country, most international students find it challenging to integrate into a community and adapt to the new environment, especially at the beginning of their academic life abroad. This is also true for Taiwan. While efforts are being made to improve the internalization aspect of the university system and public affairs, they still struggle to outperform and return tangible results.
FAQs: Studying in Taiwan
How Is the Education System in Taiwan Different from Other Countries?
Taiwan’s educational standards are as challenging as they are commended for. Critics of the country’s education stress its focus on rote memorization as opposed to comprehensive knowledge, especially at primary and secondary levels. Higher education in the country, especially at prestigious universities, is often considered outstanding, with its impressive focus on education and scholarship.
Tertiary education in Taiwan is structured slightly differently. Students can attend junior colleges to earn an associate degree before completing their bachelor’s which will take two additional years. While there are programs offered in English, curricula may have a bilingual focus.
Do International Students Face Extreme Challenges While Studying in Taiwan?
International students in Taiwan often have a positive outlook on their educational journey in the country. While no extreme challenges are posed to students, potential immigrants need to be aware of minor inconveniences they may face while in the country.
Imminent challenges like culture shock, loneliness, and difficulty conversing with people who may not speak your mother tongue are to be expected. As an international student, it’s best to understand and expect these challenges and believe that it’s all part of the process. In the long run, you will learn to adapt and face these difficulties confidently.
Studying abroad is a critical decision to make. Being unfamiliar with the realistic aspects of living abroad and navigating educational and other needs can be overwhelming for international students. We hope that this article helps you make an informed decision about studying in Taiwan considering its benefits and drawbacks.
Check out more valuable tips, scholarship opportunities, and insightful articles on our Study in Taiwan Page. You can also search for more Available Courses if you haven’t decided which program to take.
