Apriliani Ismi Fauziah
M.Sc. Program in Tropical Medicine, KMU
Bachelor of Epidemiology and Tropical Disease, Faculty of Public Health, Diponegoro University
I am from Indonesia and have just completed my master’s degree in the M.Sc. Program in Tropical Medicine at Kaohsiung Medical University. Reflecting on the past two years, I realize how profoundly these experiences have shaped my life.
Making the Vital Decision & First Impressions
Two years ago, when I first applied for my master’s degree, I was quite confused because I had been accepted into three different universities in three different countries. The first acceptance was from the University of Indonesia, the best university in my home country. The second was from a university in Russia with a Russian Government Scholarship. Lastly, I was accepted into Kaohsiung Medical University. After discussing with my parents and considering all factors, I decided to pursue my master’s degree in Taiwan.
From the very beginning of my study journey, the experiences were amazing. I met classmates from various countries, including Latin America, Somaliland, Egypt, and, of course, Taiwan. They were all very kind and helpful, especially my classmate, Pei, who is Taiwanese. She assisted me with all the administrative procedures on campus during my master’s program.
I realize that choosing the right university to pursue a master’s degree is not easy. The reason I chose the M.Sc. Program in Tropical Medicine is because it offers English-taught courses. I expected the material in English to be easy, but in fact, reading academic papers was still challenging, especially papers from the Cell journal. Eventually, after two years of training, I am amazed at my progress as I read countless papers to write my own thesis. The professors and the curriculum in the M.Sc. Program in Tropical Medicine provided me with the tools I needed to thrive in both my academic and professional lives, for which I am very grateful. At the end of my study journey, I received the Best Graduate Award at the 2024 graduation ceremony, a significant achievement for me.
From the very beginning of my study journey, the experiences were amazing. I met classmates from various countries, including Latin America, Somaliland, Egypt, and, of course, Taiwan. They were all very kind and helpful, especially my classmate, Pei, who is Taiwanese. She assisted me with all the administrative procedures on campus during my master’s program.
I realize that choosing the right university to pursue a master’s degree is not easy. The reason I chose the M.Sc. Program in Tropical Medicine is because it offers English-taught courses. I expected the material in English to be easy, but in fact, reading academic papers was still challenging, especially papers from the Cell journal. Eventually, after two years of training, I am amazed at my progress as I read countless papers to write my own thesis. The professors and the curriculum in the M.Sc. Program in Tropical Medicine provided me with the tools I needed to thrive in both my academic and professional lives, for which I am very grateful. At the end of my study journey, I received the Best Graduate Award at the 2024 graduation ceremony, a significant achievement for me.
The Challenges of Being a Master’s Student & Inspiring Teachers
Being a master’s student, my schedule was heavy and challenging. There were many courses in the first year of study, plus presentations (Courses on Recent Advances in Tropical Medicine and Global Health, and Seminar) of papers in front of our classmates and other international students in our department. Additionally, at the end of each term, we had presentations and exams for the rest of our subjects. I felt the heavy workload mainly due to the requirement of two paper presentations for the seminar course each semester, until the last semester of my master’s study.
Fortunately, our professors were very supportive and encouraged us to do our best, fostering a knowledgeable mindset related to infectious diseases and tropical medicine. The professors encouraged us to find creative ways to approach problems. Even though the assignments and projects were mostly done individually, they still allowed my classmates and me to learn how to work together while cultivating our friendships. I was deeply touched by my advisor, who, being a perfectionist, encouraged me to become a better person for my career ahead.
Another resource that KMU provides is counseling for students. I also attended counseling sessions, as sometimes I needed suggestions from someone who knew how to solve problems that I couldn’t discuss with others.
Fortunately, our professors were very supportive and encouraged us to do our best, fostering a knowledgeable mindset related to infectious diseases and tropical medicine. The professors encouraged us to find creative ways to approach problems. Even though the assignments and projects were mostly done individually, they still allowed my classmates and me to learn how to work together while cultivating our friendships. I was deeply touched by my advisor, who, being a perfectionist, encouraged me to become a better person for my career ahead.
Another resource that KMU provides is counseling for students. I also attended counseling sessions, as sometimes I needed suggestions from someone who knew how to solve problems that I couldn’t discuss with others.
Professional Growth and Extension
Being a student at KMU has also allowed me to expand my professional experiences by joining Indonesian student associations, participating in poster competitions, and meeting professionals who may become future collaborators. I joined two associations based in Kaohsiung: the “Indonesian Student Association Kaohsiung” and the “Indonesian Student Association,” which has members from various countries. Additionally, I attended the international conference held by the “Surgeon Association in Kaohsiung” and was profoundly inspired regarding my future career pathway.
By joining these associations, I met a female Indonesian surgeon and learned how her dream came true and how she achieved beyond her limitations. Her exciting achievement of becoming the first female surgeon in Taiwan was truly inspiring. She is truly one of my role models.
The Challenge of the Language Barrier
Living like a Taiwanese is not easy because learning Chinese is very challenging. Some people say that Chinese is one of the most difficult languages in the world because the five tones can give the same word different meanings. KMU offers various opportunities for international students, including immersion in the local culture and opportunities to apply for jobs in Taiwan in the future, which helps overcome the significant difficulty of learning Chinese. Thanks to KMU, I was able to learn the language while also adapting to a different cultural environment, engaging more deeply in academic research, and participating in professional activities.
Extracurricular Activities
While living in Taiwan, the exciting parts include traveling, visiting night markets, and taking part-time jobs during holidays. The most unforgettable experience was a part-time job during the summer vacation in my first year: the Namasha Camp. It was a wonderful journey because I met aboriginal people from Taiwan, stayed with other volunteers, and played with many children from the aboriginal community in Namasha. Despite the language barrier, I was still able to serve them and communicate with the children.
Other non-academic activities, like traveling or participating in events in Kaohsiung, both on and off campus, were very memorable. Kaohsiung is the most advanced city in southern Taiwan, and the public transportation here is very convenient. There are buses, LRT, MRT, THSR, and u-bikes, which you can find almost everywhere and near each MRT station.
In Kaohsiung, there are many sights worth visiting, such as Sun Feng Temple, Cijin Beach, Meinong District, the Japanese Village, Pier 2 Art Center, Love River, Moon World, and Indigenous areas in Pingtung, as well as Hamasen Park. If you travel to other cities, Taiwan is not very large, and the THSR makes it easy to reach famous sites in Taipei, such as Jiufen, Taipei 101, and Wulai Waterfall.
Other non-academic activities, like traveling or participating in events in Kaohsiung, both on and off campus, were very memorable. Kaohsiung is the most advanced city in southern Taiwan, and the public transportation here is very convenient. There are buses, LRT, MRT, THSR, and u-bikes, which you can find almost everywhere and near each MRT station.
In Kaohsiung, there are many sights worth visiting, such as Sun Feng Temple, Cijin Beach, Meinong District, the Japanese Village, Pier 2 Art Center, Love River, Moon World, and Indigenous areas in Pingtung, as well as Hamasen Park. If you travel to other cities, Taiwan is not very large, and the THSR makes it easy to reach famous sites in Taipei, such as Jiufen, Taipei 101, and Wulai Waterfall.
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Embracing Challenges and Growing Together
After all these years, Taiwan has become my second home, where I found a new family, a new campus, and new friends from around the world. I am beyond grateful for how KMU has filled my time in Taiwan with fabulous and memorable experiences and has shaped me into a better person. The road to where I am today was not always easy, but it was worth it. As I look to the future, I know that a piece of me will always remain in Taiwan, and a piece of Taiwan will remain in me.
On a personal note, the journey towards independent education is always full of difficulties. We all want the best ending for our lives, but we should remember, “We don’t have to be great to start, just start to be great. You are free to write about your past accomplishments, or anything you have been working hard on recently.” The best ending will come to you in unpredictable ways. And remember, everything comes from God, so be thankful to Him every time for whatever we have in this life.
To all women out there, believe in yourself, set your goals, dream high, and fly high…
On a personal note, the journey towards independent education is always full of difficulties. We all want the best ending for our lives, but we should remember, “We don’t have to be great to start, just start to be great. You are free to write about your past accomplishments, or anything you have been working hard on recently.” The best ending will come to you in unpredictable ways. And remember, everything comes from God, so be thankful to Him every time for whatever we have in this life.
To all women out there, believe in yourself, set your goals, dream high, and fly high…
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