Bryan Wu
Staff Writer
Applying for college is stressful enough, but attending school in another country is a whole other story.
With mixed feelings, Senior Aki Liu plans on attending college in Taiwan in hopes of majoring in medicine. Liu’s decision to go to Taiwan wasn’t easy. Although she got accepted into UCLA, being there for her family is a top priority.
“My dad’s a diplomat from Taiwan, and he had a three year term here in Southern California,” Liu said. “It just so happens that his term ends when I graduate. Because of that, my parents persuaded me to move back with them and attend college in Taiwan.”
Liu has already applied to National Taiwan University, Taipei Medical University and Kaohsiung Medical University.
“If I do get accepted into a medical school, it would take me about seven years to graduate,” Liu said. “I would love to come back to the states for graduate school.”
Liu had a lot of experience moving around. She was born in Taiwan, and, when she was two, she moved to San Francisco and stayed there for six years. She then moved back to Taiwan after finishing second grade. Liu stayed there for four years, and, after sixth grade, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia and lived there for three years. She then came to Temple City for her sophomore year.
Heading to a different country seems like an adventure, but when it comes to leaving friends and relatives here in America, Liu will have to adjust once again.
In terms of staying in touch, Liu will rely on social networking sites, sending letters or packages back home and chatting on the phone.
Aside from leaving friends and family, one of the benefits of attending an international college is the cheaper tuition. For Liu, paying $7,000 for a college in Taiwan is more manageable than signing a check for $15,000 or more for UC’s.
Looking from a financial perspective, going to a college outside of the country seems like the best way to go, but there is always the issue of culture shock. However for Liu, culture shock is the least of her worries.
“I think I might have a bit of trouble in school the first few months because everything would be taught in Mandarin,” Liu said. “But in terms of culture, I’ve lived in Taiwan for a few years, so I don’t think adjusting to the social environment will be that big of a problem.”
The important thing to remember is that admission varies for different international colleges. It’s important to do extensive research if you are serious about applying to a college out of the country.
“I think it’s a really cool experience,” Liu said. “I think going out of the country is a bit more exciting. It’s a chance to go out there and see more of the world.”