第29期

The PhD experience is often a transition from student to future independent researcher, which involves considerable learning and development. Using an experience of being a PhD scholar in Yuan Ze University in Taiwan in the department of Chemical engineering and materials science under Prof. I-Ming Hung, the purpose of this article is to explore, through a reflective self-study, my process of learning throughout the ongoing PhD journey here. In this qualitative self-study, I kept a detailed personal, professional, and academic reflective journal over years and used the journal entries and my experimental data as data to explore the process of learning. The results reveal my ‘process of becoming’, moving from a beginner PhD student to be an aspiring expert. Here I am discussing the brief of some of my living and studying experience in YZU, Taiwan through my around 2 years of ongoing journey

Student life:
I can definitely say that my student life is incredible mainly due to conveniences and opportunities in the department and the university. To begin with the university itself, its campus has everything needed in it. You can give 100% of yourself to education in this place. All the basic needs of a student were met in the campus.

Community towards foreigners:
I think Taiwan is one of the most foreign-friendly nations. I can assure you that during my ongoing study in Taiwan, I have never felt myself as a non-national. As the best thing, most of the Taiwanese people are willing to help whenever you need it. When I entered the classroom, I was able to feel that there was a lot of attention on me. After some time, my fellow classmates started coming to me and asked a few questions and we had great conversations. The frequent question was whether I know Chinese or not, and my positive answer to this question made most of them very happy. My Professor and lab mates never let me feel like I am not one of them and our language diversities also made us great friends. Need to highlight here that Taiwanese society is highly patriotic. Celebrations of Independence etc. are spread among all people, starting from children in kindergarten to retired individuals. Other than the patriotism, Taiwanese society taught me to share, I met many big-hearted people. They are the ones who don't have any dilemma when it comes to sharing with someone they know little about. They pay a lot of attention in celebrating the religious holidays, and I had a few chances to celebrate. It is going awesome and I think it will.

Research Life:
As a PhD scholar in the field of energy materials I learned a lot from everyone here starting from the professors, my lab buddies and other staffs. Till date my research journey is very rewarding, confidence sapping and boosting. The challenges were vast but achievable. Through this journey here, I am shaping myself as an asset to the future field of research which is the best someone can get. Very satisfied through the whole process, teachings, communications and the availability of resources. Still a lot to learn and a vast to achieve.