Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, Taiwan, which has so far recorded 1,067 cases with 11 deaths, has managed to overcome the impact of the pandemic and prevent the spread of the disease, allowing students of all levels of education to continue in school normally.

At the higher education level, which has been also affected by the pandemic since last year, the number of Indonesian students studying in Taiwan has more than doubled to 13,804, making it as the third largest source country for foreign students on the Formosa Island.

In 2016, the number of Indonesian students studying in Taiwan was 5,074.

Quality higher education services with comfortable and safe environment have increased the number of international students studying in Taiwan in recent years.

The increase in the number of international students in Taiwan is driven by the Talent Development Program which applied under the New Southbound Policy.

With the policy under President Tsai Ing-wen, the number of students from Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, is increasing from year to year.

In the 2011 academic year, the number of international students on the Formosa Island was recorded at 57,000, then increased to more than 120,000 by 2020.

The students enjoy Taiwan’s pleasant and safe living environment.

Meanwhile, Indonesian students always praise Taiwan for being friendly to Muslims.

The Taiwanese government and people have been making efforts to make the Formosa Island as Muslim-friendly place with facilities and policies that are adjusted to the Islamic rules, such as providing comfortable places of worship, and ensuring that foods which served in restaurants and hotels are halal (permissible in the Islamic laws).

In addition, Taiwan, which occupies a global leader in computer information technology, machinery, electricity, industrial manufacturing, chemicals, healthcare, biotechnology and agricultural reforms, offers higher education services at affordable costs compare to those offered by European, American and Australian countries.

The Taiwanese government and some universities have also launched various scholarships for prospective students from Indonesia and around the world.

Information about education in Taiwan can be acquired through the web site https://www.studyintaiwan.org/, or Instagram of the education division of TETO (Taipei Economy and Trade Office) in Indonesia @tetotec_Indonesia.

Taiwan opens opportunities for success for everyone.

Source: Taipei Economic and Trade Office (TETO)

Reporting by Indonesia Window