So, Jayson T.

3AP

On the Job Training At the moment I heard we were taking our on the job training in Taiwan, I was shocked. I expected 40 days of work, sleepless nights, and cups of coffee. Although some expectations satisfied, more unexpected things happened. We were treated very well by our colleagues and our adviser, Dr. Hu. There was no trouble in finding the things that we needed for our project because they readily gave them to us. They informed us on the things to do and guided us with every step. It can be said that they spoon fed us, but, although they were too kind at the end, we started all by ourselves. We learned programming on our own because there seem to be a very thick language barrier between us. The only person who can speak English was our adviser and one PhD student in the lab. Nevertheless, we could still communicate with hand gestures. Actually, the experience I had was proof that science is universal. Although we could not understand each other during casual conversations, when it comes to work, like circuit designing and making, we were able to accomplish the job. When in Rome do as the Romans do, but when in Taiwan do eat. During lunch breaks and snack time, we always have something that would fill you for another 5 hours. However, it would be difficult to stop eating because their dishes just simply taste great. Well, it is expected that when you leave Taiwan you will gain weight. Having our OJT in Taiwan changed my view on our home country. I realized that our system of education is lacking in terms of facilities. Yes, we do have the brains to match other foreign, countries but our potential of growing with just merely our brains will stop. In Taiwan, we were lucky enough to make a circuit without having to commute to the nearest electronic supply shop just to buy components. They have it in the lab itself. Each engineering student has their own tool box complete with a breadboard, multimeter and digital oscilloscope things that we have to share in groups of 3-5 in our country. I enjoyed my 40 days in Chung Yuan Christian University in Zhongli City, Taiwan. It was both fun and educating. I was able to learn more about my research; to know Taiwan s culture; to eat Taiwanese cuisine; to take pictures of 101; and meet new friends.