I wonder if you are anything like me. When I was a student at National Taiwan University (NTU), I felt a little lost and unsure about the future. Maybe you don’t have the slightest clue about your career. Or perhaps, you have a general direction, but lack the opportunity to take that first step. If so, the NTU International Mentorship Program is designed for you.

As a student, I studied Zoology (now the Department of Life Science). At first, I only knew that I like animals, and found myself in the molecular biology lab doing tissue culture. Not only did I fail to cultivate cells, I grew a bunch of bacteria. I learned to classify fish and draw specimens, but none of those things sparked my enthusiasm. Finally, my professor encouraged me to conduct a field study on the reproductive ecology of Oriental Skylarks in Kenting. When I saw three nestlings hatched and open their beaks to chirp, Beethoven’s symphony rang in my head. That’s when I knew that studying birds is my calling.

If I had never taken that first step and gone to Kenting, all the time and resources spent during my student years could very well have been fruitless. I may never have discovered my passion and career.

International students often lack opportunities to connect with the public, private, and civic sectors in Taiwan because of the language and cultural barriers. It is very difficult to take that initial step. Acknowledging this, NTU has designed the first mentorship-style internship program tailored for international students, integrating resources to get your foot through the door.

We have invited experts-mentors from the senior management of government agencies, foreign organizations, corporations, start-ups, chambers, research institutions, and non-profit organizations to share their experiences, offer guidance, and advise you. I hope to provide an opportunity where you can apply theoretical knowledge into practice and at the same time be inspired with new perspectives in your personal and professional life.

I’m envious of you, this is such a rare opportunity! I hope that you will take full advantage of the program to launch your career and begin your professional development. I believe that you will develop a long-term and close relationship with your mentor and internship organization. Know that upon graduation, you are very welcome to stay and work in Taiwan!