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The Journey of Dang Nhut Hao: Navigating the Work-Study Program in Taiwan

Background Information on Dang Nhut Hao

Dang Nhut Hao, a 23-year-old Vietnamese student from the southern Dong Thap Province, began his academic journey at Minghsin University of Science and Technology in 2019. This institution offers a unique industry-academia program that merges educational experiences with practical work opportunities.

Early Educational Experience

Upon entering the program, Dang spent his initial year focused on learning Mandarin, a crucial skill that would later facilitate his integration into the Taiwanese workforce. After completing this foundational phase, he, along with 31 of his classmates, was assigned to Everlight Electronics. There, Dang was responsible for operating semiconductor machinery, working six days each week. He earned a monthly wage of NT$23,800 (approximately $724), which was reflective of an entry-level salary for factory operators at that time.

Balancing Education with Work Commitments

While Dang returned to campus for classes in his third year, challenges arose during his fourth year when he was reassigned to the factory for machine maintenance tasks. He expressed his frustrations, stating, “Since we were either in class or at work, there wasn’t really time to study properly. Most of the time, classes were brief, just enough to complete assignments, and then we had to go back to work.” This reality underscores a prevalent issue within similar work-study programs where the focus on practical experiences often diminishes the academic opportunities available to students.

An Overview of Student Work-Study Programs in Taiwan

In the five years preceding 2022, a significant number of 35,924 students were enrolled in work-study programs in Taiwan, with the majority coming from Southeast Asia. The Ministry of Education and the Overseas Community Affairs Council have noted that many students attended classes less than twice a week, which raises questions about the adequacy of their educational experiences. According to reports from the Taiwan Higher Education Union, the scheduling for certain academic programs tends to favor factory work over classroom learning, effectively transforming what should be enriching internships into low-wage labor positions.

The Educational Perspective

Ping Chou, chairperson of the Taiwan Higher Education Union and a sociology professor at Nanhua University, commented, “The time spent in school is very, very little—sometimes less than two days a week, or in some cases, just one day or less. What’s the reality? Most of their time is spent working.” This commentary highlights the systemic issues ingrained in the education system where internships have become a necessity for meeting labor demands rather than a means of career preparation.

The Impact on the Semiconductor Industry

Taiwan’s semiconductor industry plays a crucial role in the global market, supplying approximately 63% of the world’s semiconductors, which are essential for powering various technologies, from smartphones to AI models. As the industry operates around the clock, filling critical labor gaps has become increasingly reliant on such student internships. According to Weber Chung, senior vice president at 104 Job Bank, there has been a significant rise in demand for these positions, with reports suggesting about 26,000 monthly job openings during the latter half of 2024.

Statistics on International Students in Taiwan

Minghsin University, where Dang studies, recruits around 2,600 international students each year, with over 60% of those entering through industry-academia collaboration programs, as stated by vice president Hsin-Te Liao. This statistic reflects the growing presence of international students in Taiwan’s educational landscape.

Ryan Hartono’s Experience

Another international student, Ryan Hartono, left Indonesia at the young age of 16 to pursue a vocational high school education, followed by a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering at Cheng Shiu University in Kaohsiung. As part of his program, he was also required to work at Walsin Technology Corporation every three months, inspecting and operating machines that produce semiconductor components. Historically, this work experience frames students into low-skilled positions, raising concerns about their long-term career trajectories.

Academic Criticism from Experts

Experts have warned that the structure of these internships does not cultivate the necessary skills for high-level careers. Shangmao Chen, a professor at Fo Guang University, emphasized, “Most of their internship work is quite low-level. It’s basically operator-level work. So, after graduation, I think it’s highly unlikely for these students to have any opportunity to advance to the position of an engineer.”

Future Insights for Taiwan’s Workforce

Recognizing this trend, Taiwan’s government plans to invest $160 million to attract 320,000 students into STEM fields, finance, and specifically the semiconductor industry by the year 2030. Such an initiative reflects a broader strategy to enhance skill development and improve the quality of education for international students.

Dang’s Positive Perspective

Dang does not harbor regrets about his decision to join the work-study program, recognizing that it has paved the way for new opportunities. He is currently pursuing a master’s program in semiconductor engineering and is also involved in a part-time research internship. Aspiring to work in Taiwan for at least three years before contemplating a return to Vietnam, he reflects positively on his experience, stating, “I think I am very lucky; I was able to transition into the semiconductor field.”

Leveraging AI legalese decoder

In light of the challenges faced by students like Dang, utilizing tools such as the AI legalese decoder can be immensely beneficial. This innovative resource can help students navigate complex internship contracts and employment agreements that often contain legal jargon, making it easier for them to understand their rights and obligations. By enhancing their legal literacy, students can advocate for themselves more effectively in work-study programs, ensuring that their educational experiences align closely with meaningful, skills-building opportunities. The AI legalese decoder can empower students to grasp the nuances of their agreements, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and well-rounded educational experience.

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