On Wednesday we told you that The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working with the Taiwanese government to combat the ongoing brain drain occurring among Belizean students who pursue studies in Taiwan, but never return upon completion of the programme. We spoke to two students living in Taiwan on SunUP this morning and asked them about their experience living and working in Taiwan.
Asia Gilharry, Student in Taiwan
"Even when we saw the interview a lot of us were messaging and talking about it because damn they kind of put us in a spot like with the Brain Drain. Yet it happens everywhere. Anyone that goes abroad and gets the opportunity to go abroad not just Taiwan you know it happens in North America Europe not just Taiwan so that's what I wanted to add."
Melody Wagner, Student in Taiwan
"It's not a Belize Specific issue a lot of the diplomatic allies that are here that send students over here have the same issue especially since Taiwan has this need for English teachers and I think it's a developing country issue I would say whereby the truth is they can't employ us all with the degree that we have it's a hard truth to face like you love your country but. And so we do try to give back like Asia rightly mentioned we give back in whatever capacity that we can I volunteer and help with the Creole counsel in Belize virtually and I always mention in the meetings that if you can get me a paid position I'm not even worried about what just so I can pay my bills on this counsel I'll be home tomorrow."
Minister of Foreign Affairs Eamon Courtenay says that the objective of the program is to make a scholarship available to Belizeans who will hopefully come back, which is why they continue to appeal to students to return once they complete their studies.
In a Facebook post Asia Gilharry said, quote, "Students want to go home, students dream of the day that they can get opportunities to work in their field at home, to contribute to the growth of Belize BUT we also need to make the decision of going or staying where we can make a sustainable life."
