My Experience Studying Abroad in Taiwan
-by Amber Lauren Langston, 2018 Taiwan Scholarship
Recipient
I
came to Taiwan in 2018 in pursuit of a career shift. Prior to coming to Taiwan,
I had worked as a teacher for special needs, disadvantaged children, and those
who faced behavioral issues for nearly six years in the United States. While I
enjoyed my job, the overbearing lack of support from parents, administrators,
and outside factors, I decided it was no longer a career I could enjoy.
Since
my degree was in English and linguistics, I debated for a while what I could do
next, finally deciding that I would become a content and copywriter in marketing
and do so by continuing my education with a master’s degree.
Tuition
in the United States was unaffordable. I had no means to pay back hefty loans
and wanted to continue to be debt-free, so I chose to go overseas which surprisingly,
was much cheaper.
I
applied for the 2018 MOE Taiwan Scholarship and then my life journey rapidly
changed.
I
decided to attend National Chiao Tung University’s Global MBA program due to
its recognition in the country and globally. The program was successful for me
mainly because of the professors that I had. Prior to my MBA, I had no business
background at all, but with the support of my professors, I was able to
self-study and receive their support so that I could quickly build my knowledge
within a short two-year period.
Alongside
that, I met wonderful people when interviewing for my thesis. Local and foreign
involved in key moments of Taiwanese history all the way to film makers in
indigenous communities. Outside of that, I have also met other foreigners
building a community of home for our own cultures. Some of these events are
Black Lives Matter, African Heritage events, and overall women empowerment for
those in startups and other entrepreneurial activities.
Right
after college, I met my goal and more and was hired as the brand strategist and
content writer for education in the global product marketing department at my
current company. Because of a supportive, global team, my career and social
development opportunities have grown as well. From the opportunity to working
on large global campaigns, all the way to mentoring other foreign students here
in Taiwan, I have finally reached a place where I feel happy and appreciated in
my career.
I plan to stay
long term here in Taiwan and continue to learn Chinese and work more closely
with local communities and initiatives I personally enjoy. However, without the
support of my family, and the faculty at my school, and the people at the MOE
offices, this change in my life would not have been possible.
