by 黃柏諭

Language, Culture, and Career Shifts: The Hidden Strengths and Challenges for International Student

Vicky works as an operations management specialist at Eslite Life, handling floor operations, marketing events, and revenue analysis. Though her job isn’t directly related to her university major in Radio and Television, she handles it with ease — thanks to her internship experience and cross-cultural perspective.

“I speak Chinese, English, Malay, and a bit of Cantonese,” she says.

Growing up in a multicultural environment gave her the flexibility to communicate with ease and understand different viewpoints. This helps her respond quickly to cross-department coordination and customer needs.

But job hunting wasn’t always smooth.

“Many companies said hiring a foreign student was too complicated.”

From offer to onboarding, she waited over a month because of unclear and time-consuming paperwork. Vicky had to teach herself how to handle Taiwan’s tax, residency, and labor systems by researching on her own. That’s how she gained the confidence to communicate with employers.

“You can’t wait for companies to have everything ready — you have to prepare yourself first.”

How a Cross-Disciplinary Career Shift Became Her Strength

Although Vicky majored in Radio and Television, she gained hands-on experience in MV production, film crews, and magazine publishing during university. These experiences gave her a solid foundation in event planning and on-site coordination — and opened doors in her current career.

“I think college is the time to explore and make mistakes. I just wanted to use that time to try different things and figure out what truly suits me.”

After a winding career path that eventually led her to Eslite, Hui-Chi found her ticket into Taiwan’s job market through 104’s keyword search feature.

“I found my job on 104, and most of my interviews also came through 104. Some companies set keywords like ‘foreign student,’ ‘Indigenous,’ or ‘fresh graduate,’ which makes it easier to find suitable job opportunities.”

Why Stay in Taiwan? Not the Only Option

When she first arrived in Taiwan, she also found it hard to get used to the local “art of language.”

“At first, I wasn’t quite used to the more indirect and tactful way Taiwanese people communicate. Malaysians tend to be more straightforward, sometimes cutting right to the point.”

In addition, existing government administrative procedures can feel unfriendly to foreigners.

“The processes are quite cumbersome. For things like applying for a work permit or a residence permit, each agency operates a bit differently, and sometimes the information isn’t very clear.”

When asked about the possibility of returning to Malaysia to develop her career, Hui-Chi expressed a positive view of her current life in Taiwan.

“I feel that life here (in Taiwan) is freer. Malaysia is still relatively conservative, with more defined expectations for women and clearer frameworks for how life should be. But in Taiwan, I feel I can be more myself.”

She’s open to working in other countries in the future, but for now, she wants to build stability and grow her skills here.

“This job isn’t my final goal, but it’s a great starting point. Staying in Taiwan isn’t the end — it’s just one of the many paths I can take in life.”

Beyond Stereotypes: Seeing the True Faces of International Students in Taiwan

Vicky believes that most Taiwanese people are friendly toward international students, especially peers of the same age. However, their understanding often remains limited to superficial, stereotypical impressions.

“Some people think we’re here to work as migrant laborers, or assume we can’t speak Chinese. But in reality, many of us do speak Chinese and have received higher education.”

She hopes the Taiwanese public can see the diverse and authentic sides of foreigners, rather than defining them through simple labels.

To All International Students: Seize the Chances

“Don’t be afraid. And don’t give up too soon.”

To those still job hunting, Vicky shares three practical pieces of advice:

① Understand the system

“You can’t wait for companies to prepare everything — you have to prepare yourself first.”

If you want to stay and work in Taiwan, you need to know the rules around work permits, taxes, and residency. The more you understand the system, the more confident and proactive you can be when talking to employers.

Save these article so you won’t lose them:
All-in-One Guide to Regulations for International Students Staying in Taiwan After Graduation — Job Hunting Made Clear >>>
Tax Filing Guide for Foreigners in Taiwan — Know Before You Job Hunt, Negotiate Your Salary with Confidence >>>

② Build your strengths — and learn how to express them

Your language skills, multicultural background, and cross-disciplinary experience aren’t just small details on your resume — they’re what make you stand out.

“You’re not just a student — you’re a future professional. Speak up and show your value.”

③ Don’t fear the wrong path — Fear only never starting

Not everyone knows what they want right after graduation. It’s okay to feel lost.

“Try first, adjust later — that’s part of how you grow.”

She also recommends a few helpful resources:

104 Foreigners: Great for job openings and company trends
University career centers & alumni networks: Referrals and internships can be key first steps

“Taiwan is a land of opportunities. The key is whether you believe in yourself enough to take the first step.”

Vicky’s story doesn’t follow a perfect formula. There’s no guaranteed shortcut to success. But with strength, resilience, and preparation, she’s building a career — and a life — that’s truly her own.

Hey Foreigners in Taiwan ! You’re not alone

Job hunting in Taiwan can feel overwhelming—language, culture, visa issues—it’s a lot.
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