AYLA ZOE MARTIN

Hello there! My name is Ayla Martin and I am one of NDHU’s first students to graduate from the Humanity and Environmental Sciences (HES) Program. What attracted me to the program is the combination of scientific and more social orientated classes. I have been trained to become an environmental change maker, i.e. someone with sufficient knowledge in both areas to work on and implement innovative projects. I think that this degree is perfect for anyone who wants to become a social-environmental project manager or coordinator. The insight and knowledge I got from the college gave me a strong base to rely on that then allowed me to specialize and work within my own field of interest.

HUSNAWATI YAHYA

I feel studying at NRES is like studying at home. I got all the comforts here. I have teachers and friends who always help me in everything. They are like my parents and siblings. Many new things I got from there, attractive teaching-learning system, field trip/field study, and various guest lectures. On the other hand, I also obtained a comfortable learning system between teacher and student, where I was free to ask about something new and the teacher immediately gave the easiest explanation method to understand. When I joined the Aquatic Insect laboratory, I alo had special moments there. My friends always help me to find some data and interviewed the farmers in Taiwanese and translated into English for my thesis. My teacher also gave strongly supports for me to join some international conferences. Those all was best experiences for me to enriching the experience in scientific publications. The experience of learning at NRES is a valuable experience for me right now. As a lecturer, I can imitate some attractive teaching methods for my students. They are very happy with the method that I have used. Thank you to all teachers and friends. The NRES always be the best place for studying about the nature and environment.

ISMAEL MATHIAS TEUL

Hey there, I would like to introduce myself, I’m Ismael, from Belize in Central America. I chose National Dong Hwa University to study at because of its location, and programs. You’ll find NDHU has one of the most beautiful campuses in Taiwan, with breath taking mountain views. The sea is nearby, making for lovely evening rides and swims—a great way to destress after a long day of classes. Apart from the beauty, NDHU has a wide range of majors to choose from. My major was Natural Resources Management in the Department of College of Environmental Studies. I found many professors with specialties in a wide range of fields like, wildlife, climate change, social and environmental development, economics in environmental science; just to name a few, of course, there’s more. Professors here are so helpful, and if you’re planning on doing a graduate degree, professors have specious labs with a wide range of equipment, and if you need a special one, then professors are more than willing to help you out. Personally, I had a great time studying and living in NDHU. I like that the environmental program blended theory, and practice. This, for me, made the courses enjoyable and engaging, as I could see how to apply the skills I learnt in my prospective field.

JINTANA CHAIWONG

National Dong Hwa University (NDHU) is a wonderful campus next to a small village called Zhixue, 16 kilometers from Hualien city. It is a pleasant environment to the students to be very relaxed with complete greenery and magnificent infrastructure. Especially, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (NRES) is a special hub to novel resource for the better research. NRES is a singular nursery to many national and international students in promoting undergraduate and graduate programs in divergent areas under majestic professors. Professors mentor their students by hands-on training and lectures in the classes to place worth full subjects and techniques. Our department empowers the student by conducting special seminar presentations on every week by a special speaker form other universities and other countries. Department provides perspicacious course work to the students, according to their degree and specialization to meet their required credits of graduation. Seminar presentation by every student in their area of research by choosing a published research article has a major impact on students to improve their skills on stage to express their status. Also, the department encourages students in special academic activities like conferences and poster presentations in other universities to improve their exposure and understanding on their future. The university aids every student with scholarship according to their performance to support their living expenses, which makes them free to concentrate on research. I would like to emphasize my department faculty (academic and administration) to their obligation and interaction with students. Every faculty member shows a greater response to clarify the students from their doubts and confusion. It is a great opportunity to every enthusiastic student to develop their study and research to their greater future.

KENRICK WINSTON WILLIAMS

The graduate program  in NRES at NDHU provided me an opportunity to research and engage in finding practical solutions to current real world challenges. The program also afforded the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from across the globe and therefore build a global perspective in understanding challenges of our environment-development nexus. The diversity of research areas of faculty and the opportunity to develop integrated and cross-disciplinary approach to inquiry with faculty in other Colleges and Departments served as a major plus in deciding to choose the NRES program at NDHU.

K'SHA DEZRA SAMANDRA WOODLEY

Coming from a humanities background, I had doubts about the Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (English Taught) master's degree program. Prior to commencing my studies, I’d wondered if I’d be required to dissect insects. My fears were soon allayed upon query. In September 2012, I was gently introduced to the program with Special Topics on Ecology. In this class, I learnt a lot about the how the natural environment functions which led me to greatly respect the ground I stand on. I am thankful for Seminar sessions because it was there I was exposed to different study topics of my classmates. Some of these topics included migratory patterns of birds, geology, trees/leaves, and invasive animal and plant species. This was a great learning opportunity. Also, we had field trips. I recalled our trip to Chi-Lan forest plot. I’d looked at all the different pieces of equipment and it was mind-boggling. I thought then of the hard work of Dr. Chang and his students who helped to maintain the plot and the equipment to study the trees, soil. My Lecturers were very knowledgeable and active researchers. They were also understanding and very accessible. The Dean at that time was Dr. Hsia. I had several opportunities to interact with him.  He showed concern for all of us. At NRES, I had a total experience – thanks to Li-Li for her support and to Cara Lin – for the trips to Liyutan to see dragon boat races, and to Carrefour. I had a patient Advisor in the person of Dr. Kuang-Chung Lee. Doing a thesis about my country, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was a challenge but I made it with the support of Dr. Lee, other Lecturers, classmates and lab mates, staff of NRES, family and friends.

OMAR A.J. SAHO

The Natural Resources and Environmental Studies graduate program at National Dong Hwa University, equipped me with the knowledge needed to address ecological, environmental, and marine resources problems facing the Sub-regional Africa. During my stay Dong Hwa, I was able to acquire an in depth knowledge and understanding about the sustainable conservation and governance of marine and coastal resources. I learnt about the policy aspect of conservation, I as well understand the various governance regimes about sustainable conservation and governance of marine resources e.g. co-management. College of Environmental Studies at National Dong Hwa University offers great programs for locals and international students. The International Masters programs and Ph.D. in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies prepares student to meet the global challenges of natural resources and environmental sustainability. The college trains its students with both theory and practical aspect of natural resource conservation. This programs better enhanced my practical skills and knowledge on coastal policy analysis, conservation of natural resources, monitoring and evaluation of coastal and marine resources, and it has also nurtured my knowledge on various governance regime of marine and coastal resource governance. This set of knowledge and experience highlighted are immensely contributing towards my career development. After completing the Master’s program of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies at College of Environmental Studies, I am able to participate in various environmental programs in The Gambia. The college has equipped me with the technical knowledge and skills of developing sustainable natural resource conservation programs in The Gambia. I hereby recommend to you that, the College of Environmental Studies at National Dong Hwa University is your best choice for studying environmental science, ecology, conservation, and natural resource governance. Being part of a multi-national student body will be another exciting experience you can’t afford to miss. Please go to College of Environmental Studies and discover the beauty for yourself!!!

TIMOTHY BERND WALLACE SEEKINGS

The HES program is a truly eye-opening and mind-expanding program in my opinion. Its strength lies mainly in its interdisciplinarity. Some classes like Socio-Ecological Systems and Traditional Ecological Knowledge are taught by several professors from the College of Environmental Studies and the College of Indigenous Studies. The resulting syllabus is rich and stretches from the depth of ecology and systems theory to the breadth of human culture and indigenous knowledge. The syllabus is a journey across the world and through time, and maps out the vast realm where the networks of ecological interdependence seamlessly interconnect with the webs of meaning of the social world. Such interdisciplinary investigation is vital in times where widespread discipline-centric thinking has come to embody a sort of institutionalized ignorance towards the relationship s that characterize the emerging systems view of life.

Additional classes on offer in the program help to deepen whatever aspect of the studies one wishes to explore further: ecosystems ecology, mathematical and statistical ecology, the anthropology of indigenous knowledge systems as well as contemporary culture and many more environmental issues. Through being situated in the extraordinary natural landscape and ethnic diversity of Hualien, the issues explored in class come to life outside the classroom through field trips and community visitations, making theories and abstract concepts tangible and lived experiences. The only additional ingredient you need is your own curiosity and initiative, and this program becomes a thoroughly transformative educational experience.

WILLIAM MARK KEYSER

As an MSc student within the department of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, my studies focused on the role of high-pressure metamorphism in the geological history of Taiwan. Taiwan has a beautiful landscape as a result of a complex geological history, which makes it both a great place to explore the outdoors as well as tackle complicated issues within the field of geology. National Dong Hwa University is situated in the perfect location to study geology, as it is located in the middle of an important geological feature just at the base of the Central Mountain Range. I have very fond memories of my time spent in these mountains, both while participating in fieldtrips and also doing fieldwork for my thesis. I was fortunate to have an excellent supervisor who is as dedicated to his students as he is the study of geology. He has established a well-equipped laboratory with the instruments necessary to carry out important scientific investigations. Through his collaborations with international colleagues and invited lecturers, I was introduced to many well-known scientists in the field; some with whom I was able to collaborate and co-publish. With the guidance of my advisor and the academic environment he provided, I was able to acquire the skills needed to continue on in my geological studies and pursue a doctoral degree in Australia.