Myanmar Students in Taiwan Face Uncertain Future After Earthquake

Taiwanese Universities Mobilize Support for Students Amidst Disaster and Political Turmoil in Myanmar

Taipei, Taiwan – Following the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday afternoon, students from Myanmar studying in Taiwan are facing an uncertain future, with concerns mounting over the potential need for financial and emotional support.

According to data from the Ministry of Education (MOE), a significant population of students from Myanmar, totaling 2,973 individuals, are currently pursuing their education in Taiwan.

A junior at Yuan Ze University in Taoyuan, speaking with the press, noted that while his family resides in Yangon, located south of the earthquake's epicenter, he acknowledged the broader impact of the disaster. He highlighted the substantial presence of ethnic Chinese communities in central Myanmar, the region most affected by the earthquake, and emphasized that the combined effects of the natural disaster and the ongoing political unrest within Myanmar would likely exert considerable pressure on students and their families back home.

The student further expressed that many of his peers originate from families already experiencing economic hardship, suggesting that financial assistance might be crucial in the coming weeks and months.

A Ph.D. student at National Chi Nan University in Nantou County shared her concerns, although her family survived the earthquake. She emphasized the dependence of many Myanmar students on family support for tuition and living expenses, worrying about the feasibility of transferring money given the current circumstances. She confirmed her university had already reached out, offering assistance in any emergency situations.

In response to the crisis, the MOE issued a statement on Saturday, urging all Taiwanese educational institutions to provide essential counseling and academic support to affected students. Moreover, the ministry has advised universities to adopt flexible learning and evaluation methods to accommodate students facing hardship. Students who must return home due to the disaster will not face penalties regarding their academic standing. The MOE also stated that they would offer financial support for extra teaching hours and resources if schools provide makeup lessons upon the students' return.

The junior student also mentioned that Myanmar's volatile political climate could make it challenging for students to return home, fearing potential difficulties in returning to Taiwan.

The magnitude 7.7 earthquake, centered near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, at a depth of 10 kilometers, caused widespread destruction. The initial death toll is estimated to be at least 1,000, a number expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue.