[[“value”:”
Translated by James Loo
Japanese student in Taiwan Honda Mami observes that students in Taiwan seem to be busier with activities like making extra cash than with schoolwork.
As the school bell rang, I looked around; there were supposed to be about 70 students in the class, but only eight were present. The professor walked into class and started the lecture without comment.
This is not a scene from a movie, but a regular occurrence in many universities in Taiwan. In my two years of study here, I observed that students coming to class late or skipping classes were a common phenomenon, and professors did not react much to it. Initially, I thought this was unique to my school, but later I realised it was happening in universities across Taiwan.
Through my interactions with classmates and the older generation, I think the problem does not lie with the universities, but with pedagogy, examinations, and even the entire education system.
In Taiwan, high school grades are crucial for university admission, and achieving good grades often requires extensive “textbook memorisation”. Schools focus heavily on exam results and typically do not emphasise skills like time management, life wisdom and social responsibility, which are not tested in university entrance exams but are essential life skills.
Upon making it into college and experiencing “freedom”, many students who do not know how to manage their lives become absorbed in club activities, extracurricular activities and jobs. They would participate in club activities into the wee hours, fill their schedule with work shifts, and sacrifice their studies and sleep. As a result, they would come to class late or even cut classes entirely.
It is not only Taiwanese students who find it hard to cope with the financial burden; international students, especially those who pay for their own education, likewise have to shoulder the cost…
Lack of focus on school
How did working a job become their “main track” while their education became secondary? Firstly, it boils down to time management and prioritising tasks. When there’s no clear distinction between what one “wants” to do and what one “should” do, influenced by various temptations and distractions, students put their academic pursuits on the back burner.
The second reason has to do with Taiwan’s current economy. In recent years, inflation has hit Taiwan hard, with the price of commodities rising. Many less affluent students are compelled to work to support themselves. Despite available education subsidies, these students face considerable pressure covering daily living expenses. With everyone having the same amount of time, they often sacrifice study hours and even sleep to meet work commitments.
When their exam results suffer because of work, a vicious cycle ensues — tardiness affects their learning and grades, diminishing their motivation to study. This lack of motivation shifts their focus away from academics, making work the central focus of their lives instead of education.
It is not only Taiwanese students who find it hard to cope with the financial burden; international students, especially those who pay for their own education, likewise have to shoulder the cost, from school fees, dormitory fees, living expenses and so forth. Many are busy working. A classmate of mine who is an international student had to drop a class because he often had to work late, and was unable to make it to class on time.
Inflation affects everyone, and university students are no exception.
Changes needed
I feel that Taiwan needs to make two changes.
First, the education system should be adjusted. Middle and high schools should shift their focus from producing “bookworms” to nurturing students with a sense of responsibility and effective time management skills. This approach is crucial in transforming students’ attitudes towards learning as they transition to university.
While I agree that it is meaningful for students to participate in activities, it should not compromise their studies. Better time management and setting priorities are essential for addressing this issue.
… there should be more financial support for disadvantaged students, such as reducing or subsidising school and dormitory fees, as well as food subsidies for meals on campus.
Second, there should be more financial support for disadvantaged students, such as reducing or subsidising school and dormitory fees, as well as food subsidies for meals on campus. Dining on campus should be cheaper than eating elsewhere, but currently, this is not always the case; prices at the food stalls at my university are quite expensive. I believe there are many more ways to help students alleviate their financial pressure so they can better focus on their studies.
Without active intervention, a significant number of university students in Taiwan may fail to obtain the knowledge they should gain from a college education, instead becoming trapped in a cycle of extracurricular activities and jobs, and ultimately wasting their time in college.
“]]
