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Summer in Taiwan

Mengyao Yuan spent a summer internship in Taiwan. Her life will never be the same.

Mengyao Yuan was one of sixteen students selected to participate in the School of Engineering's summer 2012 China Internship Program. The students covered a wide spectrum of majors and each spent the summer with host organizations drawn from a range of multinational and local companies.

This is Mengyao's story:

My internship at the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) was a rewarding learning experience. After spending years on coursework and research in a university setting, I was curious to find out how new technologies are developed and adapted for real-world industrial applications. That was exactly what I observed throughout my time at ITRI. I was introduced to projects combining originality and pragmatism. More excitingly, was able to work on such projects with some of the top scientists and engineers in Taiwan. Research is even more fun when you know how great an impact your work is going to create.

I learned so much about Taiwanese culture by making small talk and observing the people I met on my weekend trips to Taipei and other cities. I would highly recommend the China Summer Program for all the eye-openers at the night markets (Taiwanese are simply too creative with food) and spirit-lifting oolong teas you cannot taste anywhere else.

The 2013 China Internship Program application deadline is February 11, 2013. Learn more about the program.

Thursday, December 13, 2012