Student Feedback

PhD Degree

Erik de Jong

Netherlands

Research Interes(s)

  • global health research

1. What makes you choose NTU GHP to study?

After I obtained my master degree in Global Health in the Netherlands (Maastricht), I started working to gain business experience as well. Over the years I realized that I valued academic research more, and that I wanted to actively participate in global health research. I also realized that it was crucial for a researcher in Global Health to gain insights from a different setting than the Netherlands. Therefore we (me and my wife) started looking for places around the globe that would suit our academic and leisure needs. Taiwan came out on top due to it's brilliant outdoor possibilities and excellent universities, and in addition the newly started NTU program in global health seemed very exciting. Especially after consultation with professor Chan, former dean of CPH and one of the inspirers of the program, I was convinced that NTU's GHP would be the best place for me to pursue a PhD degree.

2. Would you recommend your friend to study at NTU GHP? Why?

If I'm totally honest, yes and no. It will probably depend on the person. As convenient and brilliant I think studying here is, it should also suit this specific friend. You will need a certain flexibility, patience and ability to adjust when you go to study abroad. If you have that, yes I would definitely recommend it!

3. How does study in NTU GHP help shape your future?

Probably I will be here for 3 more years at least, and after obtaining my PhD degree I have no exact idea what the future will bring, but I will at least always have a very strong connection to Taiwan and CPH specifically. A NTU degree is just as good as any other degree in the world in my opinion, so I don't expect any barriers when applying for jobs in other countries and I think the experience abroad will be huge plus.

4. What's the unique experience of studying in NTU GHP?

For me the most memorable and valuable experience here is getting more insights in east asian perspectives, collaborating with top notch researchers in TAiwan and studying together with people from different disciplines and countries. I therefore would encourage, also for my own benefit, other students from all around the world to come here to learn and work to make this experience even more diverse and valuable.