Experiencing NTU's student life has been what we were super excited for and also dreamed about, especially before arriving in NTU for the exchange semester. Most of us would be expecting to have the best time in Singapore, but somewhere deep down, we were also afraid
that the experience would not turn out to be the same as what we imagined. But
fortunately, everything went great just as we pictured, and even better!
The first thing that I was really eager to see from the moment I arrived in the campus was the hall room I was allocated to. It is my first time living by myself away from my family, thus the hall room became my refuge and second home where I could always rush to after class or a tiring day. My assigned roommate is also one of the TF LEaRN scholars, so we bonded almost instantly over the common activities we had. The room was tidy and clean, however it wasn't long before we added more character (and chaos) with piles of clothes and books! Since it was going to be the place where we could share lots of brotherly memories throughout the semester, we both tried our best to spruce up the room and make it as homely as possible.
The first thing that I was really eager to see from the moment I arrived in the campus was the hall room I was allocated to. It is my first time living by myself away from my family, thus the hall room became my refuge and second home where I could always rush to after class or a tiring day. My assigned roommate is also one of the TF LEaRN scholars, so we bonded almost instantly over the common activities we had. The room was tidy and clean, however it wasn't long before we added more character (and chaos) with piles of clothes and books! Since it was going to be the place where we could share lots of brotherly memories throughout the semester, we both tried our best to spruce up the room and make it as homely as possible.
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| Hall Living at NTU |
To me, NTU is a prestigious university that is ranked 11th in the world and among the top 3 in Asia (based on QS World University Rankings 2019). It is indeed a valuable experience to be able to personally undergo the education system, to witness how students study here, and to learn how the professors conduct lessons. From my perspective, I really like the course structure where it divides the course content into Lectures, Tutorials, Labs, etc. By doing this, it gives students an opportunity to absorb knowledge in different perspectives. I find that I not only learn from what the professor teaches during lectures, but I am also able to gain perspectives through discussions with classmates in tutorials. Furthermore, the lab component allows us to put what we learn into practice. The course structure here helps to provide the student with a deeper understanding of the subject.
Besides, I am also very impressed by how diligent and hardworking the NTU students are. Usually, I do not see anyone in the lecture hall of 200 students sleep or play with their phones! Also, I found that most students here intend to look for a job right after they complete their Bachelor's degree. I was very surprised to observe this at first, since most of the students in Taiwan would consider continuing on to a Master's degree after graduation. It makes me reflect and retrospect about the meaning and value of having a Master's degree.
In addition, the professors here are very passionate about teaching, and they make a lot of effort to improve the courses. By comparing the courses I took in Singapore and in Taiwan, I think that the courses here are conducted at relatively quicker speed compared to my home university. The content which I learn in two semesters at my home university is condensed into only one semester over here. The speed at which courses are taught contributes to the heavy workload, and this probably explains why students here have to study so hard to deal with it.
All in all, NTU provides a lot of resources for students to cultivate their professional skills. Having a comprehensive education system also helps students learn from lectures, discussions, and labs. With the professional, passionate teachers and the hardworking students, NTU really deserves to be a prestigious university.
One advice to every future exchange student -- to enjoy a successful exchange experience, it is important to put in effort and sincerity to socialise. When studying in a foreign university or country under an exchange or scholarship, it is also crucial to learn not only for the sole purpose of academics, but also for experiencing different cultures, religions, community, and last but not least, learn more about oneself. The exchange experience not only allows us to cultivate an open mindset, it also propels us to learn how to integrate better in a different community. In a society, particularly in Singapore, there are people from different cultures, identities, and backgrounds, thus the exchange experience is also a lesson in practising tolerance. While learning about others, it would also be great to share about our traditions and cultures in return, so as to encourage further understanding and interactions.
All in all, NTU provides a lot of resources for students to cultivate their professional skills. Having a comprehensive education system also helps students learn from lectures, discussions, and labs. With the professional, passionate teachers and the hardworking students, NTU really deserves to be a prestigious university.
One advice to every future exchange student -- to enjoy a successful exchange experience, it is important to put in effort and sincerity to socialise. When studying in a foreign university or country under an exchange or scholarship, it is also crucial to learn not only for the sole purpose of academics, but also for experiencing different cultures, religions, community, and last but not least, learn more about oneself. The exchange experience not only allows us to cultivate an open mindset, it also propels us to learn how to integrate better in a different community. In a society, particularly in Singapore, there are people from different cultures, identities, and backgrounds, thus the exchange experience is also a lesson in practising tolerance. While learning about others, it would also be great to share about our traditions and cultures in return, so as to encourage further understanding and interactions.