Johnson Po-yuan Hsiao
2004/2005 MA in International Relations
Nottingham University

I studied international relations at Nottingham University from June 2004 to September 2005. I found the environment quite good and UK’s education system very impressive. In Taiwan, the students are more dependent on their teachers.

But in the UK, you have to spend time to dig up your own sources for research and study independently. When I wrote my masters dissertation, my supervisor always wanted me to generate much material and discuss these with him. He usually gave me just a few comments. In Taiwan, I heard from my friends that the supervisor usually gives them more instructions and more tips.

My stay in the UK was also quite helpful for my English speaking and listening abilities. Before going my English was not good.

Michelle Oyang
2004/2005 MA in International Security Studies
University of Reading

I was lucky to be chosen one of the Chevening Scholars in 2004. I really benefited very much during my study in UK. Lecturers were very provocative and welcomed arguments in class. Most of the students in my department were from different countries and we always had different viewpoints in seminars but all were open-minded people. I made the right choice to study in UK where I learned various European views besides Americans’ unilateral thinking. Lecturers linked us to be skeptical but logical. It is very important to present two sides of an argument and reach your own conclusions supported by strong evidence, just like criminal investigation!

Working for the Investigation Bureau which is responsible for safeguarding national security, it is very important to understand the dark side of globalisation such as international terrorism proliferation of WMD and some transnational criminal activities.