Dutch student at NCKU experiences Taiwanese culture - Noodls
National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) invites students from all over the globe. Dutch student Alex van Egmond is at NCKU for his master in International Business and has already completed three semesters.
“What I like best about my study is that, due to the international orientation at my Department of International Management, I can interact with students from a diverse cultural background,” said Alex in a recent interview.
He added, “As a European it is not so evident to meet people from Vietnam, Indonesia, Saint Lucia, the Solomon's Islands and more on a daily basis.”
The department of International Management does a good job in mixing all those different backgrounds together.
“In class, you often have to cooperate on team assignments with fellow students from different cultures. Obviously, this puts a strain on communication and can cause lots of confusion and misunderstanding,” according to Alex.
“However, from an international business perspective, those issues are evenly common among staff in a transnational firm. My study thus becomes a practice ground for dealing with cultural issues,” he added.
Before coming to this university, Alex was working for some years in Beijing as an expert in Dutch language and culture. He said, “I enjoy being in a Chinese cultural environment and as you know Taiwan has a lot to offer in respect to tradition and customs, more so than mainland China.”
Alex appreciated that the courses at NCKU are well organized. “The university library has all the books and resources you need. For someone who likes reading and researching this is a major benefit,” he added.
Taking about his campus life, Alex said, “I especially enjoy the trees at the Banyan Tree Garden. At the weekends, I often go there for a walk. It's a comfortable place to relax from your research work, but when work has to be done, I usually go to the library to find a quiet place for study. Besides the library and the Banyan Tree Garden, a few times a week I can be found at the athletic field to do a couple of laps of running.”
As one of the international students in NCKU, Alex recommended students to really take the time to experience life in Taiwan and getting into contact with the local students and Tainan residents. “They can give you valuable advice about the best restaurants and shops,” he said.
“For a first time visitor, the city might be overwhelming and confusing, because of the narrow streets and the similar building styles everywhere. However, if you take the time to explore, you'll find there are a lot hidden gems waiting for you,” according to Alex.
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“What I like best about my study is that, due to the international orientation at my Department of International Management, I can interact with students from a diverse cultural background,” said Alex in a recent interview.
He added, “As a European it is not so evident to meet people from Vietnam, Indonesia, Saint Lucia, the Solomon's Islands and more on a daily basis.”
The department of International Management does a good job in mixing all those different backgrounds together.
“In class, you often have to cooperate on team assignments with fellow students from different cultures. Obviously, this puts a strain on communication and can cause lots of confusion and misunderstanding,” according to Alex.
“However, from an international business perspective, those issues are evenly common among staff in a transnational firm. My study thus becomes a practice ground for dealing with cultural issues,” he added.
Before coming to this university, Alex was working for some years in Beijing as an expert in Dutch language and culture. He said, “I enjoy being in a Chinese cultural environment and as you know Taiwan has a lot to offer in respect to tradition and customs, more so than mainland China.”
Alex appreciated that the courses at NCKU are well organized. “The university library has all the books and resources you need. For someone who likes reading and researching this is a major benefit,” he added.
Taking about his campus life, Alex said, “I especially enjoy the trees at the Banyan Tree Garden. At the weekends, I often go there for a walk. It's a comfortable place to relax from your research work, but when work has to be done, I usually go to the library to find a quiet place for study. Besides the library and the Banyan Tree Garden, a few times a week I can be found at the athletic field to do a couple of laps of running.”
As one of the international students in NCKU, Alex recommended students to really take the time to experience life in Taiwan and getting into contact with the local students and Tainan residents. “They can give you valuable advice about the best restaurants and shops,” he said.
“For a first time visitor, the city might be overwhelming and confusing, because of the narrow streets and the similar building styles everywhere. However, if you take the time to explore, you'll find there are a lot hidden gems waiting for you,” according to Alex.
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