Providence University 靜宜大學
Providence University, Taichung – located in the historic capital of the Taiwan - takes that historical foundation and builds upon it a platform to the future. Offering International students the chance to study in a wide range of all-English programs under professors from the world’s leading universities. Plus, Providence University offers full scholarships to students from overseas that include generous subsidies for on-campus housing. Most importantly, Providence University provides a multi-cultural campus that seeks to shape intellectuals with social responsibility. With over 11,000 students, a welcoming, diverse student body and a state-of-the-art, modern campus, as well as one of the Taiwan’s leading research libraries, the programs at Providence University offer the opportunity to actualize the school’s motto: Virtue with Knowledge – 進德修業 – Virtus cum Scientia.
Dr. Sr. Anne Therese Falkenstein 傅雅蘭
Special Assistant to the President
Associate Professor
Department of English Language, Literature and Linguistics
Where are you from?
I am from the United States. I grew up in Somerville, Massachusetts which is very close to Boston. No doubt you have heard of the Boston Celtics and Boston Red Sox.
What made you choose Taichung & Providence University?
Providence University was founded by an American religious congregation: the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana and I’m a member of that congregation. So, I was already familiar with the university’s legacy and accomplishments before I came and knew I wanted to be a part of it.
What degrees are offered by your department?
The Department of English Language, Literature, and Linguistics offers both bachelor and master degrees.
How long have you been in Taichung?
I’ve been living in Taichung since February 1997, so I’ve been here a long time.
And you’ve stayed in Taichung continuously since then?
Yes, I’ve pretty much stayed in Taichung. I did go abroad to study for two and a half years, but most of the time I’ve been here.
I grew up in Somerville, Massachusetts which is very close to Boston. 
To earn your Ph.D.?
Yes.
In Indiana?
That’s right, at Indiana University, Bloomington. I did both my Ph.D. and a second masters there.
It looks like you have been in Taichung for more than 10 years. Have you visited other cities?
Oh, sure. I’ve been all around the island. But, as everybody knows Taichung has the best weather. And, Providence University is the biggest draw.
So, in February 1997 you moved to Taichung, what were your impressions about Taichung in comparison to your hometown or any other city that you like?
Well, you know, Taichung is unique. So, it would be impossible to compare it with other cities. It has a very special night life; a very special culture; and even the food is different. As you probably know, after Taiwan joined the World Trade Organization, Taichung – like the rest of Taiwan – changed a great deal. So, things here are very different than they were when I first came. A lot of signage has changed to include the Romanization of Chinese characters. It makes it much easier to get around. There’s more of an influence of Western culture here. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad for Taiwan.
...as everybody knows Taichung has the best weather. And, Providence University is the biggest draw.
Can you give us some examples of other changes that you have noticed?
More students have traveled abroad to various countries. Sometimes they have returned with more of an understanding of my background and it’s easier to communicate with them about some cultural understandings that I have.
Earlier you mentioned that you are not so sure if so much Western influence is good or bad for Taiwan. Would you please elaborate on that?
I guess it depends on whether or not you look at it from an economic perspective or a cultural perspective. Taiwan’s culture is so rich and so full, you have the indigenous tribes; you have the influence of Mainlanders etc. I just think that as our university continues to internationalize, it is so important to encourage our students to continue to value and share the many beautiful aspects of Taiwanese culture. For example, much of the world has been exposed to Western literature. But, for whatever reason, many westerners have not been exposed to Chinese literature. Therefore, I tell students in our department that it would be a gift to the world if they would use their knowledge to translate Chinese literature and other special things having to do with Taiwanese/Chinese culture so that other cultures throughout the world could know more about Taiwan and about Chinese culture in general.
Previously you commented that Taichung has the best weather in Taiwan. What else would you tell students around the world to encourage them to study at Providence University?
I would tell them that Providence University is as great and in some cases possibly even better than some universities in the United States and in other countries. I would tell them about Taiwanese人情味 – I’m sure I didn’t say that correctly – but there is a warmth and hospitality among Taiwanese people in general, but particularly here in Taichung. Providence University is a very welcoming academic community. So, if they’re looking for a great education; if they’re looking for a school that wants to educate the whole person and cares not only about academics but also spiritual, emotional and social aspects of life, then Providence University is the best place to be. I’m convinced of that. I’m not just saying that because this is an interview or that it will appear in written form. It’s kind of like what Gandhi said, “My life is my message.” I’ve invested a significant number of years of my life here at Providence University because I believe in this school and in Taiwanese culture. And, I believe that students from around the world would be missing out on something great if they didn’t come and experience it for themselves.
Providence University is as great and in some cases possibly even better than some universities in the United States and in other countries.
What else sets Providence University apart?
Providence University is unique because it does more than just help international students with daily challenges. The University really does try to meet the social-emotional needs of students. For example, the Office of International Affairs constantly has activities – whether it’s bringing students on a trip to expose them to different parts of the island, or having contests: I remember one time we had a cho dofu contest kind of thing; as well as a karaoke contest. There are always activities, always celebrations: Moon Festival – you know you can read about, you can hear about different Chinese feasts, Dragon Boat Festival, etc., but here at Providence University students actually experience those festivals, and I think that makes a difference.
In many universities, international students can feel apart from the rest of the school? Do international students get the opportunity to interact with the local students?
We have thousands and thousands of Taiwanese students. So, we do a lot at this school to bring international cultures and experiences to the whole student body. And, when we have activities for international students we encourage them to bring Taiwanese friends. We never want our international students to be separate from the local population. We always want to be integrated. We want to meet the needs of international students, but we don’t ever want them to feel that they are somehow different from Taiwanese students. We want to be fully integrated without losing Taiwanese identity: we never want to lose Taiwanese identity.
How do you do that?
We continue to promote the values and customs that are important in this culture and we don’t force everybody to see things one way.
From a professor’s point of view, how do you see the impact of the diversity of Providence University’s student body?
I have had students from Russia, Turkey, Mainland China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines –– from all over the world, really. And, there’s nothing more beautiful than watching how students interact in the classroom with people from around the world. Taiwanese students automatically, generously reach out to international students. And, international students eventually share what they know of the world and of their experiences with the Taiwanese students. So, even though the Office of International affairs here is wonderful, it’s what really happens in the classroom that’s so amazing.
Can you tell us more?
Because I often teach classes that have to do with oral training and advanced conversation, my students have opportunities to work collaboratively on projects and to produce Power Point presentations that allow them to show off their own cultures in the classroom. Students compare what it like is to be a young adult in other cultures. They ask each other questions like: “What are the rules?”, “Do you still rely on your parents?”, “Do you have to make your own money?”, “How independent are you?” etc. You realize as you watch students in the classroom that, despite whatever our governments believe, the new generation coming up recognizes how important it is to understand world affairs and to be agents of peace in the world. You see that amidst all that you hear about – wars and other things that seem so much bigger than ourselves – that it’s the everyday student in the classroom that’s going to lead us into the future. So, I think Providence University has an important role to play in all that because we set the format; we give students the forum to exchange ideas.
Would you please elaborate on this idea?
What I mean is that both the curriculum and extra-curricular activities at Providence University help students who were once strangers to become friends. What I’m really trying to say is: every little thing that Providence University does to assist the campus with becoming more international is really something very, very big. It’s almost like a mini-U. N. Students may not be setting formal policies – but they are looking into the heart and soul of another student from another culture and they are seeing themselves. That’s the beauty of internationalization at Providence University.
I would tell [potential students] about Taiwanese人情味...there is a warmth and hospitality among Taiwanese people in general, but particularly here in Taichung.
Tell me about other rewards of an education at Providence University?
Well, I’ve heard several people who have graduated from the old campus on Fu Shing Road in Taichung who are retired now, as well as students who have more recently graduated, say that the English skills they gained at Providence University and the understanding of the world as a forum that they can participate in has really helped them a lot. Some people have been involved in government offices here and abroad. They’ve worked in school systems, trade companies, businesses, tourist industries and translation offices etc. So, there really have been a variety of fields that our alumni have been involved in.
But, I want to just, if I may, turn back a little bit in our conversation. Because I don’t want to miss an important point: I’ve also witnessed many Taiwanese students go abroad to study and I can tell you that when they come back to Taiwan they are not the same persons they were when they left. They were wonderful before they left, but when they came back they had such a larger view of the world and of themselves. They’re much more confident and use English much more fluently and frequently. There is a certain – I don’t want to say隨便-ness – but an at-homeness that I notice in them with English and with Western culture. I speak mostly from the point of view of a professor in the English Department, but we can also see amazing growth in students who have studied abroad from many other departments at Providence University. Particularly Business, Spanish, Japanese and Tourism.
What are the most emergent areas of research in your field?
The most emergent areas that are of interest to me are critical inquiry and technology as they are applied to language learning and teaching.
What specific research topics have you recently pursued?
There are three actually: Critical Literacy, Multiple Ways of Knowing and Communicating, and The Influence of Contemporary Culture on Language Learning.
After yourself, who is your favorite language theorist?
When it comes to the interplay of sub genres within language, literature, and social and cultural theory, I am absolutely fascinated by the work of Mikhail Mikhailovich Bakhtin. In regard to social linguistics, I am intrigued by the thinking of James Paul Gee.
There are so many opportunities for study in Asia. Why Taiwan?
This is perhaps the easiest question that you’ve asked me. And it’s the easiest question because Taiwan is a democracy. So, when students ask me, “Why should I come to Taiwan to study?” My first response is: do you want to live and learn in a democratic society? If you do then, Taiwan is a great place to consider. It’s kind of like having the best of two worlds: one of being able to study on an island where freedom of speech are appreciated and encouraged and one of being able to live in a place where creativity and unique ideas are what fuels society. If you want to study at a school that values you for who you are; that will help you accomplish your dreams; that has a good record of academic success and research – then Providence University is the place for you.
The University really does try to meet the social-emotional needs of students.
How does Providence University compare to the best universities in your country?
It depends on how you define the best. As I indicated earlier, it could be said that Providence University is as great and in various areas may even be better than some of the universities in the United States and in other countries around the world. From my point of view, a university can only be described as the best if it meets the particular academic, spiritual, social, physical and emotional needs of its students more than any other university could. Providence University educates the whole person and inspires in students a constant thirst for knowledge, a desire to make the world a better place and to fulfill their best hopes and dreams. It is one of the best universities!
The job market seems to be experiencing a period of transition. Please can you tell me what kind of advice you are giving your students and how Providence University can prepare students for the future?
I can think of a very good example from our Department of English Language, Literature and Linguistics: I think you’re aware that Taiwan has one of the lowest birthrates in the world. This reality has prompted us to encourage students to not only be aware of future demographics, but also to prepare for them. For example, students who choose the teaching track need to be aware that it may be a challenge for the them to teach in Taiwan in the future since there will be fewer local students to teach. However, if they prepare wisely by double majoring and/or by having a more global view they will have more employment options. No matter what, we know that English will serve this generation of university students well as it is still the lingua franca of trade even though Mandarin Chinese may very well become the bridge language of world trade for subsequent generations. We have a lot of brainpower and creativity in Taiwan. We will continue to work with students to develop the skills they need to adapt to future job markets. I think that by traveling abroad and by interacting with international students here, Taiwanese students will continue to become much more aware of those needs and more able to fine tune their goals.
We never want our international students to be separate from the local population. We always want to be integrated.
Would you please give some specific examples to me?
It seems to me that a double major in English and Business would be extremely helpful to some students. Others may find a double major in English and Mass Media to be helpful: Technology has transformed many areas of the world – for the better, I hope. Although I have some concerns that technology may also have a negative effect on interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships. At any rate, I think double majors are the way to go right now.
What kind of support does Providence University offer international students?
Providence University has a highly professional Office of International Affairs. It offers international students support by providing tuition scholarships, English-taught courses, and multilingual brochures and web pages. It assists students with information regarding housing, insurance, transportation, official documents, and course selection. The office also sponsors field trips and cultural celebrations, offers language translation and is always willing to assist with other daily challenges. In addition, the library at Providence University is well stocked with multilingual books, newspapers and other media. Even the bilingual signage throughout the beautiful campus is an important effort to support international students and professors. International students are also assisted by welcoming and dedicated professors.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I want to add that I’m so grateful that Taiwan has been part of my life’s journey and I’m very proud and happy to work at Providence University.
What is the thing at Providence University you are you most grateful for?
I love my students; I absolutely love my students – they’re the best! I’m not saying this because you will report it in an article. I’m saying this because I authentically believe that my students are great. I love them.
Can you describe your students?
They’re all very different. As a group, I find them to be respectful. They have a natural curiosity and are interested in world affairs. Some people think that students don’t listen to the news. I find that they do. When the economy was not doing too well they were very concerned. They have a deep commitment to their families. Sometimes I can tell by conversations in class that they don’t always agree with their parents on particular issues. But, anytime I ask students about their goals in life they always say they want to improve themselves so that they can improve the lives of their parents. Which I think is very interesting and an important piece of this culture. I think there are always students that, maybe, challenge me to be…to be more patient. But, generally speaking, Taiwanese students are great: they value education; they appreciate everything that you do for them and they’re very polite. Sometimes you think “Am I really making a difference here, or not?” And, sometimes you just get an e-mail from a student that says “'Remember when you said“…”? Well, this is happening for me.’” It is a kind of reassurance from students that what you do each day truly does matter to them. I think that when you teach students in Taiwan you make friends for life. Because students here don’t just graduate and leave. There are always some special students who are so invested in their alma mater that they come back to visit or they remember you on Teachers’ Day – they leave a little note. They are very thoughtful.
Providence University educates the whole person and inspires in students a constant thirst for knowledge, a desire to make the world a better place and to fulfill their best hopes and dreams.
What advice would you give your student as they face the future?
My advice would be that they’re part of a great Providence University legacy. They’ve been equipped with the skills that they need and they should engage in the world with a lot of confidence. I would tell them to believe in their dreams and to not let anybody discourage them from accomplishing them. Because I think if you’re passionate about something in life, in terms of your work, your profession – whatever: that will make you happy. If you follow what you’re passionate about, if it’s really what you’re passionate about, you can be of great service to society.
I tell my students that when I was about eleven years old a Taiwanese teacher came to my geography classroom and talked about Taiwan. She was the only Taiwanese person I ever met and even though I was a little girl, I began to dream of one day teaching in Taiwan. As I grew older and shared my dream with adults it was often dismissed as “just a childhood dream”. Nevertheless, I nurtured it and it eventually came true. I use my story to encourage students to hold fast to their own dreams. I am here and happy because I was true to my dream.
So, how old did you say you were?
About eleven years old.
And you knew about Taiwan when you were eleven?
Yes, because of that one encounter in my geography classroom that I just described.
Amazing! Do you still have contact with that person?
I do. We do have contact, but I’m not sure that that person really realizes what an impression the encounter made on me. I remember she wrote a character on the board and it was國, for country. And, she said “Chinese is very different than English. In English you often have to use many letters to make just one word, but in Chinese one character is a word!” I remember being so enthralled by the fact that just one Chinese character had so much power.
I love my students; I absolutely love my students – they’re the best! 
At that time you were only eleven. Just that character made such an impression on you?
It wasn’t just the character, though, the character did amaze me. When you grow up in the West, if you don’t have a lot of experience with Asian languages and suddenly you see a Chinese character and somebody tells you that it’s packed with meaning and it’s a whole word and compares it to your own language, it seems so much larger than life – or something – that you want to know more. I think that the biggest reason that I was impressed when she came to my classroom was the result of my Catholic identity. As a Catholic, I grew up believing that I needed to use my gifts and talents to help somebody else. Taiwan was described to me that day as a wonderful place that I could contribute my gifts and talents to. So, that’s how I ended up here. However, as I look back, I realize that Taiwanese society has given much more to me than I have contributed to it and I am grateful.
What city in your country does Taichung compare most closely to?
There is no comparison. The people, food, night life, sights and sounds of Taichung are truly unique. It is an incredible place.
David Delgado García 葛大衛
No matter what, any student willing to improve its Mandarin should have a look at this university.
Please tell me some reasons why people in Barcelona should come to study in Providence University.
Providence University offers something unique: a Mandarin environment. One way or another, you’ll be forced to learn Mandarin. Of course, if you are in trouble because of the language, local people will help you using some words of English. No matter what, any student willing to improve his or her Mandarin should have a look at this university.
Does Providence University offer students from Spain a lot of support?
So far, Providence University offers all the support required.
What is your major?
Translation and Interpretation.
What year did you start?
2007.
When will you graduate?
Fall 2011.
Do your professors teach in English or Chinese?
Chinese (because I only take Chinese courses).
Are your tests in English or Chinese?
Chinese.
Does Providence University offer Chinese classes?
Yes.
Are they required or optional?
Required.
Taiwan prices are much lower than those of Barcelona.
Have you taken them?
Yes.
How is the cost of living in Taiwan compared to Barcelona?
When it comes to basic needs such as food and shelter, Taiwan prices are much lower than those of Barcelona. For instance, you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner for 200 NTD. That’s 5 Euros more or less. In Barcelona, you’d have have to pay at least 20 euros or more (800 NTD approx.) if you are wanted to have these three meals out.
Do you live on campus or off?
On campus.
Is housing expensive?
I paid 10,000 NTD for 4 months. That‘s 250 Euros for 4 months. In Barcelona, I’d have to pay the same amount each month. It’s definitely not expensive for someone coming from Barcelona.
In your opinion is Taiwan a safe place to live?
Compared to Western Europe is ten thousand times safer. There’s just a little bad point: driving on a motorcycle. You have to really watch out when driving a motorcycle. It can be a complete chaos for a foreigner.
Describe your campus.
I wouldn’t say that there’s something really special about how buildings are placed or even built. The only thing is that the whole university is built on a mountain, so you have to remind this each time you have lesson and you have to walk upwards or downwards!
How does it compare with campuses in Barcelona?
Barcelona City University has its campus all over the city. That means that you’ll have to take the metro or bus if you are willing to go to one administration or another. As for Barcelona Autonomous University, it’s also built on a mountain and 30 kilometers away from Barcelona City.
What were your biggest concerns before coming to Taiwan?
The time to adapt to a new culture and a new language.
How did those things work out?
In the beginning everyone helps out and everything seems to be easy. Then, there comes a point when you have to manage yourself and bit by a bit you start to see that you can be able to solve out situations by yourself.
Where have you traveled in Asia so far?
Taiwan is the first Asian country I’ve ever visited.
What would you tell people in Barcelona thinking about coming to Taiwan to study?
You have to adopt an easy-going attitude and let things flow by itself. It’s not an easy thing to do, but that’s what it’s all about. Just take it easy and everything will come. Almost forgot: local people will constantly stare at you since you are something “uncommon”. This can lead you to feel really special, so beware. Don’t let this too far or you’ll have misunderstandings.
After 10 years what type of job or career do you see yourself in?
Translator or cultural mediator.
What city in your country does Taichung compare most closely to?
Taichung really looks like a second New York, that’s why I can’t compare it with any Spanish city.
Chatsontirak, Pravit 何偉力
The way the university treats us is different from the other universities that I have experienced before. They treat us like a part of their family.
My name is Pravit Chatsontirak, 23 year old, from Bangkok, Thailand. I graduated from Assumption University , Thailand majoring in Marketing with a concentration in Integrated Marketing Communication. Nowadays, I am studying at Providence University in MBA program in major of International Business.
Please tell me some reasons why people in your country should come to study in Providence University.
The first reason is the scholarships they offer. They give a 1-year scholarship to the students and will give the scholarship in the second year if you can maintain your grades above the standard. They also give us 9 credits of Mandarin classes.
Secondly, the way the university treats us is different from the other universities that I have experienced before. They treat us like a part of their family. They are always there for you if you need something.
Lastly, the learning system and environment surrounding the university are the best encouragement for students to study here.
Does Providence University offer students from your country a lot of support?
Yes, Providence University does offer the support to students from Assumption University (where I studied for my Bachelor Degree). The students who from Assumption University here are well-accepted from the Providence University administrators as well as the students. Moreover, they also have a cooperation to each other such as exchange student program and so on.
What is your major?
Master of Business Administration in faculty of International Business.
What year did you start?
I have just started with this program since this year, 2010, in September.
The housing is definitely not expensive at all comparing with the condition of the room and the facilities here as it is clean and neat.
When will you graduate?
I will graduate in July of 2012.
Do your professors teach in English or Chinese?
They are in done in English.
My professors teach in English because our program is international program. This semester, we are studying 3 subjects in the MBA program; Organizational Behavior, Human Resource Management, and Internet Marketing. In addition to these we are also studying Mandarin.
Are your tests in English or Chinese?
My tests are in English for the MBA program and in Chinese for Mandarin.
Does Providence University offer Chinese classes?
Yes, FREE! Providence University does offer Chinese classes for Master-Degree students – 9 credits, which are separated into 3 credits in each semester. After that, if you would like to continue studying more Chinese, you can. And, I think it is really a good offer from the university. Also, Providence University is famous for the quality of its Chinese Language programs.
Are they required or optional?
Yes, they are required as a part of MBA program that we need to achieve the 9 credits according to the curriculum.
Have you taken them?
Yes, I have taken some of them. Actually I have finished my first 3 credits already and right now I am paying extra for an additional class as I prefer to make an effective progress in my Chinese skill.
In my opinion Taiwan is a safe place to live and explore. There are several things that you can never find in the other places but here in Taiwan you can experience them!
How is the cost of living in Taiwan compared to your country?
The cost of living between in Taiwan and in Thailand – it is quite similar because our money currency is quite in the same rate.
Do you live on campus or off?
I do live on campus, because I personally like the university in terms of the environment, facilities and people here.
Is housing expensive?
The housing is definitely not expensive at all comparing with the condition of the room and the facilities here as it is clean and neat. It is quite a reasonable price for the dormitory. Furthermore, the fee of housing campus, it is also covered with the Internet fee, which is really good. If you live outside the university, the price would be higher than the dormitory.
In your opinion is Taiwan a safe place to live?
In my opinion Taiwan is a safe place to live and explore. There are several things that you can never find in the other places but here in Taiwan you can experience them! People over here, they are also friendly and nice.
Describe your campus?
Providence University: there are so many impressive things such as the Luking Library in PU, art gallery, gym in Bosco Hall, sporting area, and many, many more. The environment surrounding here is so green and good to encourage students to study, tucked away from the busy city.
How does it compare with campuses in your country?
I think Providence University is better in terms of those things I have mentioned in the previous question, but in term of the design of the buildings, there are some that PU is better and are some that are quite the same.
What were your biggest concerns before coming to Taiwan?
My biggest concerns were the accommodations; whether I can cope with living with other students and study; whether I can fit well. But so far I am doing good in the class and nothing bothers me in the issue of living here.
People over here, they are also friendly and nice.
How did those things work out?
Well, it is just like "When in Rome, do as Romans do". We need to adapt ourselves to fit with the place and situation that we are in with.
Where have you traveled in Asia so far?
I have been to Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and now in Taiwan.
What would you tell people in your country thinking about coming to Taiwan to study?
If you are interested to study Chinese, English and Business together, I think Providence University is one of the best places for you to pursue your master degree or being an exchange student here. Providence University also offers a scholarship for every international student enrolled in the all-English programs and scholarships for Mandarin lessons.
After 10 years what type of job or career do you see yourself in?
My career interests are import and export, art, fashion, music, international business and any thing where I can deal and communicate with people from different countries. In 10 years, I see myself as a successful person, running my own business in fields I like and enjoy.
What city in your country does Taichung compare most closely to?
I would say "Chiang Mai" when I compare Taichung with any country in Thailand, because the country side, weather and development of the city is quite similar with Chiang Mai.
Hoa Pham 彭厚安
Please tell me some reasons why people in America should come to study in Providence University.
Students get a lot of support not only from the Office of International Affairs, but they also individual attention from professors and classmates.
All new international students get scholarships once accepted to study at PU. As long as they keep their grade average above 75 or 80, they can continue to get their scholarship for the next years. Also, living expense in Taichung is relatively cheap.
Besides, most of professors in PU graduated from America or Canada; therefore, the teaching method in PU is very similar to Western schools.
In addition to that, PU has an amazing campus with one of the best libraries; of course there are many English books and extensive database available in variety of topics.
Does Providence University offer students from America a lot of support?
Yes. Students get a lot of support not only from the Office of International Affairs, but they also individual attention from professors and classmates.
What is your major?
Computer Science and Information Management.
What year did you start?
September 2010.
When will you graduate?
September 2012.
Do your professors teach in English or Chinese?
English. You also have option to attend Chinese-speaking classes if your Chinese is proficient enough.
Are your tests in English or Chinese?
English.
Compared to my country, the cost of living is considerably cheap.
Does Providence University offer Chinese classes?
Yes, every student must take Chinese classes in the Chinese Language Center.
Are they required or optional?
Required for graduation.
Have you taken them?
I am taking them.
How is the cost of living in Taiwan compared to America?
Compared to my country, the cost of living is considerably cheap.
Do you live on campus or off?
On campus.
Is housing expensive?
No, students have option to choose either 3-people or 2-people room.
In your opinion is Taiwan a safe place to live?
Yes, much safer even than New York. People often take a walk or exercise during evening.
Describe your campus?
My school campus is built with impressive structures. The air is fresh and not polluted.
How does it compare with campuses in America?
Much smaller, but more convenient because there are many cafeterias inside campus, not mention to the post office where students can send mail or deposit money.
What were your biggest concerns before coming to Taiwan?
The language barrier.
...[the] campus is built with impressive structures. The air is fresh and not polluted...
How did those things work out?
Not many people can speak English in Taichung as in Taipei but enough for me not to get lost; besides, the local people are open-minded and friendly; they often find some way to help me out.
Where have you traveled in Asia so far?
Not many, just Vietnam (where I was born) and Taiwan.
What would you tell people in Vietnam thinking about coming to Taiwan to study?
Taiwan is a place where people can come to get a Western education at a relatively low cost with support from Providence University and the generous scholarship programs of the Taiwan Government. Also, Taiwan has safe, convenient and clean environment. The majority of Taiwanese people are bilingual.
After 10 years what type of job or career do you see yourself in?
Computer programmer or researcher in an IT company or teaching facilities.
Michael Angelo Litan 李麥羅
Please tell me some reasons why people in Philippines should come to study in Providence University.
[you] can immerse [yourself] in a different culture and enjoy the great level of education Providence University provides.
They should study here due to the diversity of students and faculty; that they can immerse themselves in a different culture and enjoy the great level of education Providence University provides.
Does Providence University offer students from Philippines a lot of support?
Yes! We actually treat each other like family and we are very at home in the university. We even get in touch off-campus.
What is your major?
Masters in Business Administration.
What year did you start?
2010.
When will you graduate?
May of 2012.
Do your professors teach in English or Chinese?
English.
Are your tests in English or Chinese?
English.
Does Providence University offer Chinese classes?
Yes, with the best teachers.
Are they required or optional?
They are required, but since I have no knowledge of Chinese I am loving every second of my classes here.
Have you taken them?
Yes, and loving every bit of it!
[students] treat each other like family and we feel very at home in the university. We even get in touch off-campus.
How is the cost of living in Taiwan compared to Philippines?
It’s pretty much average and I think living in Taichung is practical for a student like me.
Do you live on campus or off?
On campus.
Is housing expensive?
Totally not. Because we can get all the water electricity and good security for a price that is very reasonable.
In your opinion is Taiwan a safe place to live?
Without a doubt. This is a place where I am comfortable to live in because of their great healthcare system and almost crime-free environment.
Describe your campus?
It has the greatest array of books in the library which I love. The school is just so cozy to be in, more of a home feeling rather than the typical school where you go to class and go home afterwards.
Where have you traveled in Asia so far?
In Asia the only 2 places I have traveled are Singapore and Taiwan. But I hope that I can have the chance to travel to China.
How does it compare with campuses in Philippines?
Totally different since here in Taiwan you will enjoy your independence and make decisions on your own.
This is a place where I am comfortable to live in because of their great healthcare system and almost crime-free environment.
What were your biggest concerns before coming to Taiwan?
First are my legal documents since it’s not a breeze to get a visa to go to Taiwan. Then just the picture of going to another place you are not familiar with. But now, my perception has changed 180 degrees. It is so much fun living and studying here in Taiwan.
Where have you traveled in Asia so far?
Only Hong Kong and Taiwan.
What would you tell people in Philippines thinking about coming to Taiwan to study?
First thing is never to be scared to try something new or things that they don’t have first-hand experience of. My first impression of Taiwan is that I can not communicate with people, but people here are the nicest people I have met so far my entire life.
After 10 years what type of job or career do you see yourself in?
Retail Business, internet business or being employed in a firm that I enjoy working in.
What city in your country does Taichung compare most closely to?
Home – because here in Taichung. Everything is easy access and very safe!
Suben Mathew 馬書
It's full of life and a student-friendly place; clean and safe when compared with other major cities and offering awesome learning facilities.
Please tell me some reasons why people in your country should come to study in Providence University?
It’s full of life and a student-friendly place; clean and safe when compared with other major cities and offering awesome learning facilities. The best part: Full scholarship for tuition. Also, Providence University provides a multicultural environment to interact on a day to day basis for the preparation and molding students for the world of globalization.
Does Providence University offer students from your country a lot of support?
To my personal experience this was the only university out of the 4 universities I applied for Master’s program who replied promptly and kept in touch with me on a regular basis.
What’s your major?
MBA emphasis in International Marketing.
What year did you start?
I joined this course September 2010.
When will you graduate?
May 2012.
Do your professors teach in English or Chinese class?
The Master’s program is completely taught in English and I would personally advise the international students to consider an MBA in International Marketing.
Are your tests in English?
Yes.
Does Providence University provide Chinese classes?
This is my favorite part: when you enroll for Master’s program you get Free Chinese classes not only that are free, but on completion you receive 9 credits. Xie xie PU!!!!!!
The Master’s program is completely taught in English...
Are they required or optional?
Well I am not sure on that, but, to me, I love Chinese culture and heritage and I am learning it from at the right university.
Have you taken them?
Yes.
How is the cost of living compared to your country?
LOL….. Compared to the city I come from this is heaven! At this moment, with the world still recovering from the economic crisis, being a student in Taiwan is the best place to be in every aspect.
Do you live on campus or off?
I live on campus.
Is housing expensive?
Well, in comparison to my country no way! It’s so cheap here and ideal for students both for the exchange program and full time degree students. Benefits include basic furnitures, hot water, washer and dryer, 24hr security, free internet and total privacy.
In your opinion is Taiwan safe place to live?
No doubt about it! Moreover, Taiwan has one of the lowest crime rates against most of the Asian and Western countries. And, if you are a girl you can walk safe even in late night.
...I would personally advise the international students to consider an MBA in International Marketing.
Describe your campus?
If you are looking for study at Providence University, it offers you personal attention. Providence University environment enables you to understand and discover what you are passionate about and also helps you attain all the skills that you require both from the experienced faculty members and a very diverse environment. A wide range of programs available to both graduate and undergraduate degree seeking students. Excellent dormitory and recreation facilities. More than 80 clubs and activities to keep the students involved based on your passion. I personally have joined the photography club. Being away from the city keeps you apart from chaotic traffic, noise and even pollution. Personally, I think the library is the best – with 10 floors of information for every type of info-seeker. Food courts strategically placed around the campus give a wide range of food and very student-friendly prices. There’s even a department store and 2 convenience stores for all your basic needs.
How does it compare with campuses in your country?
Just one sentence …… I felt I was back in my university!
What were the biggest concerns before coming to Taiwan?
Well, while doing my homework checking about Taiwan, one concern was if I had to do shopping for big and tall, might be a bit difficult to find.
How did those things work out?
Well I kind of prepared for that challenge, but found out that there are few online store where it took care it and at night markets I was able to find T-shirts and shorts but if I go for traditional shopping to be honest … it’s still difficult .
It’s so cheap here and ideal for students both for the exchange program and full time degree students.
Where have you traveled in Asia so far?
Hmmmm…. Well, always love travelling and I guess it’s in my blood! My heart and mind is willing, though I guess for now, with the economic crisis, my bank account doesn’t allow ;). Having said that, I have been to a few countries: United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait Parts of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Lao, Southern part of Myanmar ( Burma) and now Taiwan still exploring .
What would you tell people in your country thinking about coming to Taiwan to study?
Just come.
After 10 years what type of job or career do you see yourself in?
Hmmmm…. Operations dept. and have a linear career and reach the top of the dept. as a Operational Dept. Director or a Operation Dept. Manager.
What city in your country does Taichung compares most closely to?
Well, like I said, born and raised in the U.A.E. - a city there similar to Taichung would be Alain.