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Best reasons to head to the beautiful island for studying abroad
Taiwan is an island shaped like a sweet potato just off the east coast of China. You may know Taiwan as a great place to eat or as a cheap place to visit with lots of cultural and social things to do. That’s all true of Taiwan, but it merely scratches the surface. As is the case with many places in Asia, behind the touristy shine is an economic and educational powerhouse that is drawing more and more international students. Here are the top 5 reasons why it’s worth considering studying abroad in Taiwan.
1. Safety & high standards of living
Safety first! Taipei is very a safe destination during both day and night. Photo by Shutterbean / CC BY
It is no exaggeration to say that Taiwan is one of the safest countries in the world. The high level of education, low exposure to crime, economic freedom and good healthcare system are a few examples of why Taiwan is ranked 2nd on the annual Global Peace Index. It may come as a surprise to many that this island is even safer than Germany, Finland, and Sweden.
What about the economic situation? Taiwan has consistently maintained a high level of economic growth since 1960 and because of this, it’s considered to be one of the world’s richest countries. It is also an important hub of global manufacturing in automobile and electronic components. This has enabled Taiwan to earn the name of one of the four Asian tigers.
2. Quality of higher education
Chih Shien Univeristy is ranked among the top 100 universities in Asia! Photo by Asiaexchange / CC BY
The education system of Taiwan is outstanding! “A great education can lead to a great future”, is a mantra that the Taiwanese take seriously and live by. Year after year, local students graduate with some of the highest scores in the world. But what can international students expect from studying abroad in Taiwan? Well, the universities offer strong academic programs. The high quality of the country’s academic resources, the rich cultural environment, and strong future job prospects are enough reasons to say Taiwan has something to offer every international student.
3. Friendly people
The Taiwanese conviviality and generosity are second to none. Photo by Fishopen770 / CC BY
When you touch base in a new destination after a long flight, the first thing you might notice is whether the local people welcome you with open arms or not. It is a well-known fact that some countries are less hospitable to foreign tourists than others. Some might say the weather certainly plays a role, but not all countries close to the equator will always greet you with smiles. However, Taiwan is a safe zone for all nomads and travel junkies out there to visit.
You will not experience the death stare from the citizens of Taiwan! According to InterNations’ Expat Insider 2016 Index, Taiwan was ranked top three of the world’s friendliest countries. InterNations surveyed more than 14,000 respondents from 67 countries and Taiwan scored the highest result on hospitality. It is a fact that the small potato island is one of the best and safest expat destinations for you to visit.
4. Fascinating and vibrant culture
Prepare yourself to see a lot of colors when you are studying in Taiwan. Photo by Swys001 / CC BY
The delicious cuisine, the ancient Chinese temples combined with the skyscrapers make Taiwan a rich and colorful culture. Also, their belief in a free press, gender equality, and respect for human rights have made Taiwan one of the most liberal societies in Asia. The Taiwanese value their democracy high, so whenever there is a mistrust towards the politicians, the people do not hesitate to wander the streets in arms to protest against the injustice.
You might also be interested in: 5 Interesting Facts About Taiwan You Might Not Know
The rich historical background is a direct result of today’s multifaceted culture. When traveling around in Taiwan, you will most likely discover traces left by the Dutch, Spanish and Japanese meanwhile you will explore the indigenous and Chinese culture as well. Study in Taiwan and you will most certainly be amazed at the diversity of things this breathtaking island has to offer!
5. Discover the Beautiful Island
Taiwan’s beautiful and majestic landscapes will take your breath away. Photo by Y_C_LO / CC BY
If you’re a photographer, surfer or just a sucker for wildlife, Taiwan is the place for you! The island offers picturesque landscape and many would agree that the nation is visually stunning. To get the most out of your stay, you should visit the majestic waterscapes in Taroko national park, the fruitful paddy fields in Chishang or East Asia’s tallest peak, Yushan. Either way, Taiwan has something to offer everyone. Just do your research and embrace the rich cultural and spiritual heritage, world-class hot-springs and stunning scenery.
Convinced? Or not yet? Find more information in the link below about studying here.
Find out more about studying in Taiwan
Asia Exchange is a Finnish company providing study abroad opportunities in Asia Pacific for students from all around the world. Want to get travel tips and new blog posts straight to your inbox? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter! If you have any questions about studying abroad, feel free to contact us! We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
This article was written by our IT Coordinator, Miika.
