April 17, 2026 Edited by HSU,TANG-YUNG Ming Chuan Weekly Issue 1268, SDG4 Quality Education, the Department of Criminal Justice
At the beginning of my senior year, while my classmates were gradually finalizing their career plans after graduation, I still lacked a clear direction. After consulting with a professor in my department, I learned about a memorandum of understanding between the Department of Criminal Justice at Ming Chuan and John Jay College of Criminal Justice, which offered a dual master’s degree program—one year at Ming Chuan Institute of Criminal Justice and one year at the graduate school in the United States, graduating with master’s degrees from both institutions.
■ From Confusion to Turning Point: Dual Degree Illuminates My Direction
This was a very attractive goal for me, having just completed a special research project and gained a great sense of accomplishment. So I began applying to the Crime Prevention Institute and took several master’s courses in the second semester of my senior year.
During my first year at the crime prevention institute, I also prepared for the English proficiency test. After completing the test, I submitted my application, sent letters of recommendation from professors, and was fortunate enough to receive an acceptance letter from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in the United States.
In August 2025, after completing my first year at Ming Chuan University’s Graduate Institute of Crime Prevention, I went to John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York to pursue my second year of master’s studies—International Criminal Justice.
■ Cultural Differences in the US: From Listening to Speaking Out
Upon arriving in the US, before I could even feel curious about my surroundings, renting an apartment, opening a bank account, getting a phone number, buying groceries, and figuring out the route to school came one after another. These seemingly simple tasks required twice the effort because of the language barrier.
Besides the language difference, I also deeply felt the difference in the learning atmosphere between Taiwan and the US. In the US, professors strongly encourage students to actively ask questions and speak in class. The classroom is no longer just a one-way transmission of knowledge, but rather a continuous, interactive discussion. Students can express their thoughts at almost any moment, and professors always emphasize that “every question is a good question.” In contrast, my learning experience in Taiwan leaned more towards listening and absorbing information, with fewer opportunities to express my own ideas immediately.
This difference was a challenge and a source of pressure for me, but it was also the beginning of change. Due to language limitations, I initially needed to spend more time organizing my thoughts, even rehearsing repeatedly in my mind before speaking, just to barely keep up with the pace of the discussion. However, it was precisely in this environment that I gradually realized that more important than perfect expression was the willingness to participate and offer my own perspective. Slowly, I stopped obsessing over the completeness and correctness of my sentences and tried to engage in discussions more naturally.
■ Ordinary Daily Life: The Most Authentic Memories of Studying Abroad
Studying abroad is a glamorous prospect, especially since I came to the bustling metropolis many dream of—New York City. Indeed, there are the romantic street scenes of Manhattan, the vibrant energy of Times Square, and the grandeur of the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. Many scenes are so beautiful they seem unreal. It was only after a moment that I realized: Wow, I’m already standing in a place that once seemed so far away.
However, what truly leaves a deep impression on me are the ordinary daily routines. The mornings spent walking 30 minutes to the subway station to save $2, the afternoons spent lugging three gallons of milk and a week’s worth of fruits and vegetables after class while commuting, and the afternoons overwhelmed by loneliness due to the time difference preventing me from contacting family and friends. These simple daily routines, though lacking the dazzling lights of New York, are my most profound memories of this great city.
■ Immersing Myself in the Local Culture: Getting to Know Taiwan Through Cultural Exchange
Beyond my academic studies, I participated in a volunteer activity called Global Classroom during my spare time. By sharing my culture with local elementary and secondary schools in the United States, I not only had more opportunities to practice my spoken English but also learned more about Taiwan’s cuisine, nature, history, and even its national flag and currency. During each sharing session, I was always healed by the children’s innocent and pure questions and words, and I rediscovered the beauty of my hometown.
Through the memorandum of understanding between Ming Chuan University and John Jay College in the United States, although I still had to go through the same application process as other international students, I was able to complete my studies more efficiently and personally experience a different culture and living environment. This was a rare and precious opportunity for me.
■ The Real Gains from Studying Abroad: Rediscovering Myself
I wouldn’t say that after ten months of living in the United States, I am now strong enough to be fearless, nor am I confident enough to converse fluently in English with foreign friends. But at least I am no longer someone who needs to rehearse even a simple and basic sentence like “Excuse me, where can I find the bananas?” many times before daring to speak it. I can’t recount every moment I felt vulnerable, but looking back on this journey, I realize how far I’ve come, both fearful and courageous. Whether it was the breathtaking experience of being in a foreign land or the real setbacks, they all became nourishment for my growth.
Beyond the academic gains, what truly remains are the changes that occurred after leaving familiar surroundings—starting to see and feel more, and gaining a new understanding of what matters. Some things became less important, while others were given new meaning. These seemingly intangible transformations are perhaps the most profound value of this study abroad experience.