Article by Han Pham
In the heart of East Asia, Taiwan stands as a beacon of opportunity, drawing in students from across the globe with its blend of academic excellence, cultural richness, and burgeoning job market. Among this diverse cohort, international students are increasingly finding their footing in Taiwan's professional landscape, navigating a realm of opportunities and challenges. To shed light on this intriguing phenomenon, this article embarked on a journey to uncover the intricacies of the working market for international students in Taiwan, including insights from local companies.
Regulatory Framework: A Welcoming Environment
Unlike some countries where stringent visa regulations impede employment prospects for foreign students, Taiwan offers a relatively conducive environment. Under current regulations, foreign students enrolled in degree programs at recognized institutions can work part-time during the academic term and full-time during semester breaks, provided they obtain the necessary work permits.
This flexibility not only eases financial burdens but also provides valuable exposure to the local work culture and language. From internships in multinational corporations to part-time roles in local businesses, foreign students find themselves actively engaged in Taiwan's dynamic job market.
The job market in Taiwan is also considered friendly to international students by focusing on talent acquisition based on capabilities rather than nationality, paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Eric Chen (陳蓋武), Senior Vice President of Bank SinoPac human resources division articulated a refreshing approach to recruitment, emphasizing talent over nationality. "For Bank SinoPac, there is no distinction between nationalities," he affirmed. "As long as they are talented, we are willing to recruit them."
Pic: Bank SinoPac’s booth at 2024 NCCU Career Fair
This inclusive mindset underscores the importance of professionalism and ability in Taiwan's job market, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers to prioritize merit and competence.
Similar to Bank Sinopac, Jason Chang(張志聖), General Manager & Head of Global Alliance Team, Elite PR Group, echoes the sentiment of inclusivity in recruitment practices. "We prioritize ability over nationality when considering candidates for recruitment," he asserts. "Enterprises are in a constant talent search, and the competition for skilled individuals is fierce. Hence, recruiting foreign students becomes not just a choice but a necessity in meeting the demands of the market."
Pic: Elite PR Group’s booth at 2024 NCCU Career Fair
Embracing multiculturalism is a hallmark of Elite PR Group's ethos. The company exhibits a commendable level of inclusivity, welcoming talents from diverse cultural backgrounds. This inclusive approach facilitates effective communication and collaboration among colleagues from different countries, enabling the establishment of optimal working methodologies. While the current presence of foreign colleagues within the group is limited, there is a concerted effort to enhance diversity through future recruitment endeavors.
By embracing a meritocratic approach to recruitment and focusing on professionalism and ability, Taiwan companies are not only fostering diversity but also tapping into a pool of talent that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
Insights from Companies: NCCU International students’ advantage and opportunities.
Renowned as one of Taiwan's top universities, National Chengchi University boasts a stellar reputation for producing high-caliber graduates. Companies across industries value the quality of students trained at NCCU, with its alumni making their mark on the global stage. According to recruiters, NCCU students are characterized by their positivity, teamwork skills, excellence in their respective fields, and a pragmatic, eager-to-learn attitude. Their willingness to start from scratch and dedication to continuous learning make them highly sought-after by employers.
While the job market in Taiwan provides various opportunities for international students, it is not free of challenges. International students often face obstacles such as linguistic barriers and cultural differences, which require resilience, adaptability, and perseverance to overcome. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that these challenges are surmountable. Although there is no denying the necessity of Chinese when working in Taiwan, there is more to the job than language ability.
The advantages of foreign students seeking employment in Taiwan extend beyond technical skills to encompass a broader perspective on multiculturalism and diversity. By bringing fresh insights and breaking existing stereotypes, foreign students enrich Taiwan's workforce and foster a more inclusive society.
Pic: Eric Chen (陳蓋武), Senior Vice President of Bank SinoPac human resources division
At Bank SinoPac, job vacancies are tailored to the abilities of candidates, regardless of nationality. Proficiency in Chinese may not always be a prerequisite, especially for roles in digital finance and corporate finance where professional expertise and personality traits take precedence over language proficiency.
Pic: ManpowerGroup Partner & Senior Branch Manager, Agnes Lee(李美樺)
ManpowerGroup Partner & Senior Branch Manager Agnes Lee(李美樺) shared that companies in Taiwan value job seekers who possess practical training experience, a sincere willingness to learn, and a proactive attitude. Being proactive, adaptable, and eager to contribute are qualities that resonate with employers across industries. Having a certain understanding of Taiwanese culture and being willing to accept differences between cultures is also a necessary characteristic.
Pic: Jason Chang(張志聖), General Manager of Elite PR Group
For Elite PR Group, language proficiency plays a crucial role in the public relations industry, where communication predominantly occurs in Chinese. Hence, a certain level of proficiency in Chinese is deemed necessary. However, regarding desired mentality and characteristics, the focus lies on attributes such as curiosity, willingness to tackle challenges, aptitude for learning, and problem-solving capabilities. Nationality is immaterial; what matters most is the potential to excel. In the field of public relations, qualities like patience and empathy are highly valued, making candidates possessing such traits particularly appealing.
According to Jason Chang, international students possess distinct advantages over their Taiwanese counterparts, particularly in their familiarity with foreign cultures and languages. Their diverse backgrounds align with the corporate trend towards diversification, making them valuable assets in today's globalized landscape.
"Foreign students bring a unique perspective to the table," Agnes Lee remarked. "Their multicultural background and language skills enable them to bridge the gap between Taiwan company and international markets."
Agnes Lee highlighted the importance of cultural diversity in today's globalized economy, emphasizing the role of foreign students in fostering cross-cultural communication and innovation. From assisting with international client relations to offering insights into global market trends, foreign students enrich Taiwan's workforce with their diverse talents and perspectives.
In the mosaic of Taiwan's job market, the journey may be challenging, but the rewards are boundless for international students who dare to seize the opportunities that await them. With their unique perspectives, skills, and aspirations, international students play a pivotal role in shaping Taiwan's dynamic and vibrant workforce, driving progress and prosperity for generations to come.
A Foreign Student's Perspective: Annie's Journey
To demonstrate and gain a clearer perspective on the job search journey of international students currently studying at NCCU, I had the opportunity to chat with Annie from Vietnam, a senior student of the International College of Innovation.
Having the opportunity to participate in the Talent Circulation Alliance program, Annie's journey began with a sense of curiosity and adventure. "Taiwan seemed like the perfect blend of tradition and modernity—a place where I could learn, grow, and challenge myself." she shared.
The Talent Circulation Alliance (TCA) is a public-private partnership that facilitates the circulation of talent between Taiwan and like-minded partners, with the goal of cultivating a deep pool of capable, internationally-integrated, and digitally savvy professionals. It was founded as a partnership between AIT and the Taiwan Authorities, including the Administration of Digital Industries under the Ministry of Digital Affairs, and is implemented by the Institute for the Information Industry.
Throughout her 5-month internship at Acer E-enabling Service Business Inc., Annie discovered the value of her multicultural background. "Along with the professional knowledge that I gained from NCCU classes, my international perspective allowed me to bring fresh ideas to the table and approach challenges from different angles," she explained. "Whether it was brainstorming strategies or collaborating with colleagues, I found that my diverse background was an asset rather than a hindrance."
Annie's experience underscores the transformative power of international experiences in shaping one's personal and professional trajectory. By immersing herself in Taiwan's vibrant culture and dynamic job market, she gained valuable insights and skills that will shape her future endeavors.
Pic: Annie (Đỗ Hạnh Nhi) from Vietnam, a senior student of the International College of Innovation.
Embracing Diversity, Seizing Opportunities
In the tapestry of Taiwan's working market for foreign students, diversity emerges as both a hallmark and a driving force. From multinational corporations to start-up ventures, foreign students enrich Taiwan's workforce with their talents, perspectives, and aspirations.
As Taiwan continues its journey towards global prominence, embracing diversity and nurturing talent will be key to its success. By fostering an environment that values cultural exchange and international collaboration, Taiwan not only strengthens its workforce but also positions itself as a beacon of opportunity and innovation in the global arena.
In the vibrant streets of Taipei and beyond, the doors of opportunity are wide open, beckoning foreign students to explore, innovate, and thrive. In their pursuit of excellence and exploration, they not only realize their own aspirations but also contribute to the collective prosperity of Taiwan—a testament to the transformative power of diversity in shaping the future of work.
More on OIC connect no.94:
Taiwan, English and the World: The First Edition of NCCU’s English Diner
Tsou aboriginal group, a closer look
Wang Gong Pastoral Patrolling of the Fields: a Look Into Local Religion in Muzha
Hearing from members of the NCCU Host Family Program
Warming Board game night at I-House hosted by IA NCCU
From Campus to Career: Navigating Futures at NCCU's Career Fair
