From Student to Permanent Resident: Lakshay Sachdeva’s Remarkable Journey with the Taiwan Gold Card
Taiwan, with its captivating blend of rich culture, picturesque landscapes, and thriving job market, has been a welcoming host to international talent from around the world. Among these expatriates, Lakshay Sachdeva stands out as an exceptional example of someone who embarked on an educational journey in Taiwan, transitioned to a successful career, and ultimately achieved Permanent Residency through the Taiwan Gold Card program. In this blog post, we will delve into Lakshay’s incredible journey, exploring three significant chapters: his student life, career progression, and the pursuit of Permanent Residency in Taiwan.
Lakshay’s Journey as a Student in Taiwan
Lakshay’s adventure in Taiwan began as a student, eager to explore a new culture and broaden his horizons. Born and raised in India, he embarked on this life-changing journey by pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). What makes his story even more fascinating is the unexpected spark that ignited this adventure. Lakshay’s sister was already living in Taiwan, and her suggestion to apply for a university in Taiwan led to the lightbulb moment that set him on a course for this beautiful island.
Lakshay’s experiences as a student were enriched by the support of a government scholarship from the Ministry of Education, which eased his transition to Taiwan. His university, National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), provided top-notch faculty, and he had the privilege of studying under professors with diverse academic backgrounds. Beyond the classroom, he immersed himself in a cultural exchange, interacting with students from various countries, fostering personal relationships, and gaining valuable insights.
One of the significant contributions to his growth was his involvement with the Foreign Student Association (FSA). As the Vice President of FSA, he actively participated in organizing cultural events and collaborated with the United Nations to support Aboriginal schools in Taiwan. His student life was not just academically enriching but also a journey of personal and cultural discovery.
Finding Employment and Building Networks
After completing his studies, the next logical step was transitioning into a career in Taiwan. Lakshay embarked on this journey with enthusiasm and determination. Taiwan’s job market, with its growing opportunities and increasing emphasis on attracting international talent, proved to be an ideal place to launch his career. Lakshay’s experience highlights the numerous job portals and opportunities available in Taiwan. Websites like 104 and Taiwan jobs.tw provided him with avenues to search for job openings, and he found an internship opportunity through a Facebook group called “non-teaching jobs in Taiwan.”
This internship marked the beginning of his professional journey in Taiwan. Lakshay’s commitment and hard work during the internship eventually led to a full-time job offer. This is a testament to the potential for foreign students to transition from their academic pursuits to a flourishing career in Taiwan.
Networking played a pivotal role in Lakshay’s career success. His engagement with FSA and various university activities allowed him to build connections, both with local and international individuals, who shared his career aspirations. These connections facilitated his job search and provided essential support during his professional development.
Challenges and Recommendations for Living in Taiwan
Lakshay’s journey in Taiwan was not without its challenges. Like many expatriates, he faced the initial cultural shock that accompanies moving to a foreign country. Adapting to the local cuisine, language, and weather required resilience and an open mind. Lakshay emphasized the importance of learning at least some Mandarin Chinese, as it has been proven helpful in terms of communication and integration.
One notable aspect of his journey was embracing Taiwan’s unique cuisine. While the country offers a wide variety of culinary delights, it also boasts some acquired tastes that might challenge newcomers. Lakshay’s advice to explore different foods and not to limit oneself to familiar options resonates with the spirit of adventure.
Lakshay also touched on the topic of safety and preparedness for natural disasters, assuring future expatriates that the Taiwanese government is well-prepared to handle such situations.
Lakshay Sachdeva’s journey to Taiwan and his subsequent achievement of Permanent Residency through the Taiwan Gold Card program is a testament to the opportunities and experiences that Taiwan offers to international talent. From being a student to a professional and ultimately a Permanent Resident, Lakshay’s story encapsulates the essence of Taiwan’s charm and its commitment to embracing diversity. His advice and insights provide a roadmap for those who aspire to follow in his footsteps, illustrating the rewarding possibilities that await those who choose to make Taiwan their second home. Whether for study, work, or personal enrichment, Taiwan’s doors are open wide, and the Taiwan Gold Card program offers a pathway to long-term residency for those who fall in love with the island’s unique culture and promising future.
