One Month in Taiwan: Learning, Exploring, and Growing at NCU
Spending one month at National Central University (NCU) in Taiwan was a short journey, but it gave me experiences that went far beyond what I had expected from a summer research internship. Coming from Vietnam, I arrived with curiosity about research, a little uncertainty about working in a new environment, and the hope of learning something different from what I usually experienced at university. By the end of the program, I realized that the most valuable lessons came not only from research, but also from the people, challenges, and everyday experiences along the way.
My time at the GeoHydraulics Research Group introduced me to a more practical side of scientific research. Instead of only studying concepts from textbooks, I worked with real environmental and geological data and learned how researchers transform raw observations into meaningful scientific information. Data processing and analysis sometimes required much more patience than I expected. A small problem could take hours to understand, and sometimes the result was completely different from what I had imagined. However, solving these problems step by step helped me become more careful and independent in my work.
One thing I especially appreciated was the opportunity to communicate and exchange ideas with people in the laboratory. At first, using English every day was challenging for me. I sometimes knew what I wanted to say but could not immediately find the right words. Gradually, I became more comfortable asking questions, explaining my work, and discussing problems with others. I learned that communication in research is not about speaking perfectly; it is about making an effort to understand and be understood.
Life at NCU was also much more than sitting in front of a computer. Professor Shih-Jung Wang and the laboratory members created many opportunities for us to experience Taiwan outside the academic environment. Sports activities, field trips, shared meals, and conversations after work gave us time to relax and get to know one another. These activities created a friendly atmosphere where international students and laboratory members could connect naturally.
One particularly special memory was celebrating my birthday in Taiwan. It was my first birthday away from home, so I initially expected it to be a quiet and ordinary day. Instead, being able to celebrate with the friends I had met during the internship made it unexpectedly meaningful. Although I was far from my family and familiar surroundings, the warmth and companionship around me made the day feel special. It became one of those simple moments that I know I will remember whenever I think about my summer at NCU.
Exploring Taiwan was another unforgettable part of the journey. Taiwan surprised me with the contrast between busy cities, peaceful university life, mountains, coastlines, night markets, and small streets full of local character. Traveling to different places helped me understand the country beyond what I had seen online before arriving. Trying unfamiliar food, using public transportation, finding my way around new places, and communicating with local people were simple experiences, but together they made me more confident about living independently abroad.
What I will remember most, however, is the kindness I received throughout the month. Whenever I had difficulties with research or daily life, there was usually someone willing to help. The laboratory gradually became a place where I felt comfortable rather than simply a place where I worked. I am sincerely thankful to Professor Shih-Jung Wang, my mentors, and all members of the GeoHydraulics Research Group for their guidance, patience, and hospitality.
One month is not a long time, but it was enough to change the way I think about research, communication, and studying abroad. I returned to Vietnam with new academic knowledge, greater independence, better confidence in communicating with others, and many memories that cannot be measured by research results alone. My experience at NCU reminded me that university life is not only about completing courses or earning a degree. Sometimes, the most meaningful learning begins when we enter an unfamiliar place and allow ourselves to learn from everything around us.
