Destination： National Taipei University of Technology (University level exchange)
Study Period： February – June 2023
Affiliation/Grade at the start of studying abroad: Graduate School of Design, Environment and Heritage Design Course, Master Year 2

The purpose of my study abroad was to conduct research for my master’s thesis and to learn about Taiwanese society and architecture in relation to my research.　
I chose the Taipei University of Science and Technology’s architecture course because they provide a wide range of classes in English for international students, and I can learn about the history of modern and contemporary Taiwanese architecture and spatial analysis using film and analysis software, which are useful for my research (survey of Taiwanese schools) and fields I had not studied at Kyushu University.

There are a variety of Chinese language courses, classes, and events. Although I did not take any of these courses myself, students were able to have a variety of experiences through these classes, such as interacting with local high school students, taking a short trip, and making dumplings with local volunteers. There were also many classes available in English, and I was able to choose classes that I was satisfied with.

Comparing movies and architecture in class, comparing Japanese and Taiwanese architecture and culture, and analyzing cities provided me with the opportunity to rethink architecture. Some of the classes had a relatively high percentage of international students, and I gained many insights from their different views of architecture and presentation styles. Also, I think that by living in the country for six months, I could use the language while living there, my English skills improved, and I could express my feelings and what I wanted to talk about. I was able to experience many different cultures and ways of thinking due to the fact that students are from different countries and years.

Before going to study abroad, I had the impression that I would gain new knowledge about architecture, but I was surprised to find that the classes not only provided me with new knowledge, but also gave me the opportunity to confront what architecture is all about in the first place. If you are not sure about studying abroad, I think one of the motivations can be to reexamine the field you are studying.

Hiroko Baba