Taiwan increases the number of Taiwan Scholarships and Huayu Enrichment Scholarships for Indian Students in 2017

On August 8, 2017, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India hosted a gathering of the students who were selected this year to be recipients of a Taiwan Scholarship Program or a Huayu Enrichment Scholarship to formally present them with their awards. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Center officials, local professionals, current scholarship holders, and alumni of universities in Taiwan who shared details of their experiences there attended the happy occasion.
The formalities began with an introduction by Mr. Chen Yita, Secretary of the Education Division. He spoke about the growing number of Indian students now pursuing their higher education and Mandarin Chinese studies in Taiwan, making Taiwan a popular destination, and he also introduced the Facebook page of the Taiwan Alumni Association in India (TAAI) TAAI currently has 460 members and Facebook is an easy way to maintain a communication bridge and share information with Indian students. (https://www.facebook.com/Taiwan-Alumni-Association-in-India-182270522167303/)
Amb. Tien Chung-kwang spoke and congratulated all the recipients. He encouraged them to study hard and to also take the time to explore Taiwan. TAAI president, Ms. Hasija shared details of her own wonderful experience of Taiwanese friends giving her a helping hand when she first arrived in Taipei, and of how she spent time exploring this beautiful land and friendly society.
Mr. Abu Zafar, a former journalist, was a recipient of a Huayu Scholarship in 2015. He completed six-month intensive Chinese language course at National Chengchi University in Taipei, and he commented that he thought that anyone can practice his or her religion freely in Taiwan. “I think Taiwan is very religious and friendly, and during my stay, I never felt any discrimination. I got love, affection and curiosity from local people. I used to pray Salah sometimes in the mosque, sometimes at home, and sometimes in the library too”. He also spoke about how the teachers at NCCU were flexible about his praying times, and changed his scheduled classes so he could easily attend his Friday Namaz. He really enjoyed his stay in Taiwan.
The gathering ended with the alumni and TECC officials answering many questions about education and scholarship opportunities, and about living in Taiwan. Altogether it was very enjoyable and informative.