This article discusses the recent influx of Guatemalan students into
Taiwan's universities to study the language, law, business, and masters and doctorial programs throughout a variety of cities and areas in
Taiwan. Within the last six years the numbers have grown immensely due to the increase in bursaries and scholarships available for students in
Guatemala from Taiwanese universities to attend Taiwanese universities. In this year alone there are currently 130 Guatemalan students studying in
Taiwan. One of the most interesting things about this program is that students from all over
Guatemala are going to
Taiwan, not only the most elite students. There are students from Chimaltenango, Petén, Cobán, and some students are of indigenous decent. Many of the students when they first arrive find the culture, food, and language very different and difficult. Soon they realize the similarities between the two countries, such as the importance of family and friends. Many of the students studying there are very interested in learning the language and culture because they believe that in order to expand the Guatemalan market to
Asia they must be able to conduct business together. Recently the Guatemalan government signed a free trade agreement with
Taiwan, and in order for this to function there must be fluidity in business. Interestingly it is not only Guatemalan’s with a desire to study in
Taiwan; Taiwanese students are also coming into
Guatemala in large numbers to study.
I found it very interesting that students from all levels of society are able to attend schools in
Taiwan. From what I know about international students, most of the students that come from Latin American countries come from upper class families due to the high cost of studying abroad. With the introduction of bursaries from
Taiwan for Guatemalan students it has allowed for what I feel is equal opportunity and a something that I have never heard of being done before. It mentioned in the article that Taiwanese universities consider giving out bursaries as an investment into their own economy. Considering
Guatemala and
Taiwan just signed a free trade agreement, it makes sense that they are investing in students that will be able to facilitate and promote further trade and opportunity. Furthermore in class we discussed the constant influence of
Japan in
Guatemala, and this phenomenon seems to be spreading across
Asia.
Although I believe that
Taiwan giving out bursaries is a resourceful idea, I am also quite hesitant to believe that there isn’t an ulterior motive. As well I wonder how the bursary system works, what sorts of forms are necessary for students to fill out. Perhaps these forms do not allow for equal opportunity. What if the student filling it out didn’t have much of a chance for proper education would they be allowed to attend university in
Guatemala? Are there certain high schools that are recognized by
Taiwan and some that are not?
I read another article about Taiwanese-Guatemalan relations from 2007 and it seems that the two countries have had a close relationship for a long time now.
Taiwan was then discussing an investment through their only publicly traded oil refinery and possibly a “dry canal” to connect the Pacific and
Atlantic oceans. (Source:
http://www.areirealtors.com/index.php?option=com_news&type=N&lang=en&Itemid=16&view=item&id=78)
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