▲Sergio and the others NCCU International Students exploring Taiwan
At National Chengchi University (NCCU) in Taiwan, international students often discover new sides of themselves while studying abroad. Beyond academic life, many students step out of their comfort zones, explore unfamiliar environments, and build unique personal experiences along the way. Among these stories is that of Sergio Chang, a second-year student in the International Master’s Program in Asia-Pacific Studies (IMAS).
International students at NCCU are often known for their curiosity and adventurous spirit. For Sergio, life in Taiwan offered an opportunity to reconnect with something he had rarely experienced before: nature. In fact, living at NCCU often encourages students to engage more with the outdoors. Although the university is located in Taipei, Taiwan’s capital city, the campus sits near lush mountains and forest trails. It is not unusual to see hikers passing through the trails around NCCU almost every day.
Sergio Chang comes from Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina. Often referred to as the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is famous for its European-style architecture, wide boulevards, historic cafés, and vibrant cosmopolitan culture. The city was heavily influenced by European immigration in the early twentieth century, which explains its grand French- and Italian-inspired buildings. It is also the birthplace of tango, the passionate dance that originated in the La Boca neighborhood and later became a cultural symbol of the city.
Growing up in this urban environment, Sergio describes himself as a true “city boy.” His daily life was surrounded by storefronts, apartment buildings, and towering skyscrapers. Like many urban residents, his routine revolved around commuting between university, work, and home often spending hours traveling across the busy city. Weekends were usually spent relaxing with friends at local bars, enjoying the lively social culture that Buenos Aires is known for. Nature, however, was rarely part of his everyday life. But everything changed when he arrived in Taiwan.
Fast forward to his first week at National Chengchi University, and the scenery could not have been more different. Instead of flat urban horizons, Sergio found himself surrounded by the dense, emerald-green mountains of Wenshan District. The dry air of Buenos Aires was replaced by a humid mist that clung to the trees and hillsides. Looking up at the steep slopes around Maokong, Sergio realized that this campus experience would be unlike anything he had known before.
“It looks like the jungle from Jurassic Park,” he joked, “just without the dinosaurs.” Little did he know that this seemingly “prehistoric” landscape would soon become one of the most meaningful parts of his life in Taiwan.
The Urbanite’s Ascent: A City Boy in the Jungle
▲Sergio and his friend enjoy the nature of Yamingshan
Moving from the flat streets of Buenos Aires to the mountainous terrain surrounding NCCU was initially surprising. The transition from an urban environment to a campus nestled among forests and hills felt almost surreal.
For many international students, the steep hills around NCCU can feel intimidating at first especially for those living in Dormitory 10, which requires “hiking” a number of slopes and stairways each day. However, over time, Sergio began to appreciate the uniqueness of NCCU’s location. Unlike universities located in dense city centers, NCCU offers something rare: a peaceful academic environment surrounded by nature. Gradually, the mountains that once seemed intimidating began to feel inviting.
The “Kataware-doki” Moment: When Two Worlds Meet
▲Hiking at Maokong, a trail nearby NCCU
After spending more than a year as an NCCU student, Sergio gradually became more familiar with Taiwanese culture and everyday life. One thing he quickly noticed was how popular hiking is among locals. According to several NCCU professors, hiking is one of the most common recreational activities in Taiwan. With numerous mountain trails easily accessible even within Taipei it has become a favorite pastime for many residents.
Sergio’s real transformation happened during winter break. While many students chose to stay within the comfort of the international student circle, Sergio began exploring the mountains near NCCU, particularly in the Maokong area. One particular moment remains vivid in his memory. It was around 5:30 PM when he and his friends were watching the sunset from the hills of Maokong. The atmosphere reminded him of the anime film Your Name (Kimi no Na wa), specifically a scene that explains the concept of kataware-doki, a Japanese word describing twilight the mysterious moment when the boundaries between worlds seem to blur.
“At that moment, it felt like a magical instant,” Sergio recalled. “It felt like my old life in Argentina and my new journey in Taiwan were meeting in the same place.” Standing there, watching the fading sunlight over Taipei’s mountains, Sergio realized something had changed within him.
He was no longer simply the “city boy” from Buenos Aires. Instead, he had become something else entirely a mountain explorer discovering a new rhythm of life.
“It felt like living inside a real-life Studio Ghibli world,” he said.
Moments like this reflect the spirit behind studying abroad: the ability to connect past identities with new experiences in unfamiliar environments.
Beyond Semiconductors: Integration and a Growth Mindset
▲Sergio and his friends visit Jiufen Old Street
As a student studying Asia-Pacific, Sergio was initially familiar with Taiwan mainly through academic discussions about technology industries and international relations. However, through his hiking experiences, he discovered a different side of the island.
“Taiwan is much more than just semiconductors or geopolitics,” Sergio explained.
Through hiking, he encountered a wide range of people from young students to elderly hikers affectionately referred to as A-mā and A-kong (grandmother and grandfather in Taiwanese). Seeing older generations actively hiking the trails inspired him to reflect on the mindset behind the activity. “For many people here, hiking is connected to a growth mindset,” Sergio said. “Sometimes you feel exhausted and want to quit while climbing a trail, but when you finally reach the peak, you feel invincible.”
For Sergio, the journey up the mountain became symbolic of personal growth. “It reminds you that challenges are part of the process,” he said. “But the view at the top always makes the effort worthwhile.” Through these experiences, Sergio also gained a deeper appreciation for Taiwan’s multicultural identity. The island’s culture reflects a blend of Austronesian heritage, Hakka and Hokkien traditions, Japanese influences, and the presence of new immigrant communities. Together, these cultural layers create a dynamic and diverse society that Sergio believes many outsiders often overlook.
Sergio’s Recommended Hiking Trails
For NCCU’s international students who want to explore Taiwan’s natural beauty, Sergio recommends three hiking destinations around Taipei.
Elephant Mountain (象山)
▲Pretty view from Elephanat Mountain
This trail is one of the most accessible hiking spots in Taipei and is perfect for beginners.
“It’s a relatively easy hike,” Sergio said. “But once you reach the top, you get an incredible view of Taipei 101.”
Battleship Rock (軍艦岩)
▲Battleship Rock’s view
Located near several universities in Taipei, Battleship Rock offers a slightly more challenging experience.
“The trail feels sandy and gritty, which makes it quite unique,” Sergio explained.
Qingtiangang (擎天崗), Yangmingshan
▲Qingtiangang (擎天崗), Yangmingshan’s view
For those looking for a more adventurous hike, Sergio recommends Qingtiangang in Yangmingshan National Park.
“It’s more challenging,” he said, “but the scenery is amazing, and you might even see wild buffaloes roaming the grasslands.”
Breaking the Bubble
Reflecting on his journey, Sergio encourages other international students to take full advantage of their time in Taiwan. His advice is simple: step outside the comfort zone. “Don’t stay only in the English-speaking bubble,” he said. “Try to make local friends and connect with Taiwanese society.” Learning a few phrases in Taigi, the Taiwanese language commonly spoken among older generations, can also help build connections.
“People really appreciate it when you try,” Sergio added. For Sergio, the most valuable part of studying at NCCU has not been just the academic knowledge, but the personal growth that comes from exploring unfamiliar environments. His story shows that sometimes the most meaningful lessons happen outside the classroom on mountain trails, during quiet sunsets, and in moments when two worlds unexpectedly meet.
From the streets of Buenos Aires to the mountains of Wenshan, Sergio Chang’s journey proves that studying abroad is not only about earning a degree it is about discovering new perspectives, embracing challenges, and finding unexpected moments of peace along the way. And sometimes, that journey begins with a simple step onto a mountain trail.
