Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone: Exchange Experience Sharing Session Helps Students Plan Their Overseas Study Journey
On the evening of March 25, NCCU College of Law hosted an exchange experience sharing session for institution-nominated outbound exchange students. The event was moderated by International Cooperation Assistant Yvonne Chen and featured two student speakers: Jue-An Chen (LL.M. Year 3), who studied at Humboldt University of Berlin in Germany, and Yi-Jyun Lin (LL.M. Year 3), who participated in an exchange program at Nagoya University in Japan.
The event began with an overview of the college’s exchange program by Ms. Yvonne Chen, who noted that most relevant information can be found on the law school’s website. Students are also encouraged to contact the department office with any questions. Additionally, for those interested in meeting international students, the Buddy Program offers opportunities to assist incoming exchange students in adapting to NCCU campus, including course registration, opening bank accounts, and becoming familiar with Taiwanese culture.
Jue-An Chen was the first to share her experience. As the partnership between the college and Humboldt University of Berlin was only recently established, she was the first student to participate in the exchange program there. As a result, much of the application process required self-exploration, allowing her to accumulate valuable firsthand experience, which she generously shared. Regarding pre-departure preparation, she emphasized the importance of making early appointments for visa applications and residence registration. Since exchange application periods often overlap with peak booking times for tourist and working holiday visas, failure to prepare in advance may disrupt the timeline of exchange program.
In terms of course selection, she suggested that even students who have passed the required C-Test may still consider enrolling in language courses. Although the cost is relatively high (approximately €550), such courses help students adapt to German-taught classes and provide excellent opportunities to make friends and explore the city. She also highlighted that Humboldt University’s location in central Berlin offers access to rich cultural resources, including museums, opera houses, and various art exhibitions—many of which offer discounted student tickets. She encouraged students to take full advantage of these opportunities to enrich their exchange experience.
Next, Yi-Jyun Lin shared her experience at Nagoya University. She noted that although the university may not be a top choice for many applicants, its central location in Japan makes it highly convenient for travel to major cities. Compared to larger metropolitan areas, the cost of living is also more affordable. The university provides strong support systems for exchange students and offers a wide range of courses without imposing restrictions based on international student status, creating a favorable learning environment.
For pre-departure preparation, Lin recommended that applicants have at least a JLPT N2 level of Japanese proficiency. However, she acknowledged that fully Japanese-taught classes can still be challenging at first, though immersion naturally leads to improvement over time. She also strongly recommended participation in the Campus Asia Program, a cross-border legal exchange initiative that brings together students from top universities, allowing participants to step out of their comfort zones while building friendships.
Reflecting on her experience, Lin noted that her one-year exchange significantly improved her Japanese proficiency—especially in listening and speaking—and enhanced her ability to approach legal studies from a comparative and multidisciplinary perspective. On a personal level, living independently strengthened her autonomy and adaptability. While acknowledging that studying abroad can be challenging, she emphasized that the rewards are substantial and encouraged fellow students to embrace opportunities rather than be discouraged by difficulties.
During the final Q&A session, the speakers and Yvonne further discussed challenges encountered during their exchange experiences and how to overcome them, once again encouraging students to actively pursue international learning opportunities. Even after the session concluded, students continued engaging in lively discussions, reflecting the event’s enthusiastic atmosphere.
On the evening of March 25, NCCU College of Law hosted an exchange experience sharing session for institution-nominated outbound exchange students. The event was moderated by International Cooperation Assistant Yvonne Chen and featured two student speakers: Jue-An Chen (LL.M. Year 3), who studied at Humboldt University of Berlin in Germany, and Yi-Jyun Lin (LL.M. Year 3), who participated in an exchange program at Nagoya University in Japan.
The event began with an overview of the college’s exchange program by Ms. Yvonne Chen, who noted that most relevant information can be found on the law school’s website. Students are also encouraged to contact the department office with any questions. Additionally, for those interested in meeting international students, the Buddy Program offers opportunities to assist incoming exchange students in adapting to NCCU campus, including course registration, opening bank accounts, and becoming familiar with Taiwanese culture.
Jue-An Chen was the first to share her experience. As the partnership between the college and Humboldt University of Berlin was only recently established, she was the first student to participate in the exchange program there. As a result, much of the application process required self-exploration, allowing her to accumulate valuable firsthand experience, which she generously shared. Regarding pre-departure preparation, she emphasized the importance of making early appointments for visa applications and residence registration. Since exchange application periods often overlap with peak booking times for tourist and working holiday visas, failure to prepare in advance may disrupt the timeline of exchange program.
In terms of course selection, she suggested that even students who have passed the required C-Test may still consider enrolling in language courses. Although the cost is relatively high (approximately €550), such courses help students adapt to German-taught classes and provide excellent opportunities to make friends and explore the city. She also highlighted that Humboldt University’s location in central Berlin offers access to rich cultural resources, including museums, opera houses, and various art exhibitions—many of which offer discounted student tickets. She encouraged students to take full advantage of these opportunities to enrich their exchange experience.
Next, Yi-Jyun Lin shared her experience at Nagoya University. She noted that although the university may not be a top choice for many applicants, its central location in Japan makes it highly convenient for travel to major cities. Compared to larger metropolitan areas, the cost of living is also more affordable. The university provides strong support systems for exchange students and offers a wide range of courses without imposing restrictions based on international student status, creating a favorable learning environment.
For pre-departure preparation, Lin recommended that applicants have at least a JLPT N2 level of Japanese proficiency. However, she acknowledged that fully Japanese-taught classes can still be challenging at first, though immersion naturally leads to improvement over time. She also strongly recommended participation in the Campus Asia Program, a cross-border legal exchange initiative that brings together students from top universities, allowing participants to step out of their comfort zones while building friendships.
Reflecting on her experience, Lin noted that her one-year exchange significantly improved her Japanese proficiency—especially in listening and speaking—and enhanced her ability to approach legal studies from a comparative and multidisciplinary perspective. On a personal level, living independently strengthened her autonomy and adaptability. While acknowledging that studying abroad can be challenging, she emphasized that the rewards are substantial and encouraged fellow students to embrace opportunities rather than be discouraged by difficulties.
During the final Q&A session, the speakers and Yvonne further discussed challenges encountered during their exchange experiences and how to overcome them, once again encouraging students to actively pursue international learning opportunities. Even after the session concluded, students continued engaging in lively discussions, reflecting the event’s enthusiastic atmosphere.
