Dr. Rafael David Kaliski, an international student from the United States, graduated with a Ph.D. from National Taiwan University’s Department of Electrical Engineering in 2017. After graduation, he has pursued several different paths, primarily in academia but also in private sectors. Currently, Dr. Kaliski works as an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU). On top of teaching students in his field, he continues to conduct research in networking, communications, and information security. Dr. Kaliski aims to use his academic and industry experience to contribute to the worlds of electrical engineering and computer science.

Where it all started…
Dr. Kaliski’s decision to pursue his Ph.D. in Taiwan was based on two factors. Firstly, he had always wanted to dedicate himself to the field of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, especially related to AI and networking. He thought Taiwan’s expertise in manufacturing would enhance his understanding of this discipline and inspire him to approach problems from a different perspective.
Secondly, he was intrigued by the idea of learning a second language, and Mandarin was an excellent choice in aiding his competitiveness in the field. These reasons make Taiwan an excellent choice for him to further develop his future path.

Mandarin Learning Journey…
Dr. Kaliski participated in Mandarin learning courses in a community college when he still lived in the United States. He wanted to further improve his language skills to prepare for a career in Taiwan, so he enrolled in the International Chinese Language Program (ICLP) at NTU, which became a life-changing learning experience. ICLP’s intensive Mandarin courses helped him advance rapidly. He told us about his experience in the language program, "If you want to learn a language, you must actively use it, not just passively engage in reading and listening. Foreigners have limited opportunities to speak with a native speaker. Even if you can find a native speaker, it's difficult to find an interesting topic to let them grow beyond just basic vocabulary. ICLP tries to have this whole concept of friendship and language exchange, not just repeating simple sentences. When you want to dive into more topics than you're familiar with, then you must search for new words, i.e. expand your vocabulary."

Pursuing a PhD at NTU…
Nearing the end of the ICLP program, his friend introduced a professor from the Department of Electrical Engineering at NTU to him. Dr. Kaliski discovered that this professor’s research fields firmly matched his research interests. As a result, he decided to pursue a PhD at NTU’s Department of Electrical Engineering.
A number of courses in his program were primarily conducted in Mandarin, which posed a challenge despite his improved language skills. He also needed Mandarin to collaborate with classmates from different cultural backgrounds in order to complete research tasks. Even so, he enjoyed these challenges immensely. Relying on his hardworking personality and strong passion for his field of study, Dr. Kaliski overcame the difficulties. "Ph.D. Program is not necessarily about how intelligent you are, persay; it’s about whether or not your personality can survive that environment. There are no set deadlines for graduation, you must set deadlines for yourself. You're in charge of your progress," he shared.

Amazing experience in Taiwan
While pursuing his Ph.D. in Taiwan, Dr. Kaliski enjoyed his stay here. He will often squeeze out some spare time to try local foods (such as sipping “ ku cha ” 苦茶) , traveling around the island (such as hiking through the picturesque landscapes of Yangmingshan or zipping around on a scooter to the mountaintop vistas near Yonghe) and joining local activities (such as witnessing the blending of traditional and modern customs at Taiwanese weddings). He feels the safe living environment of Taiwan and affordability are also great advantages, as they are important considerations for foreigners.
Dr. Kaliski will surely recommend a food enthusiast, a culture lover, or an adventure seeker to come to Taiwan, because it has something special in store for everyone to explore.

Challenging Work life
While Dr. Kaliski thoroughly enjoys his role as a professor in Taiwan, he also highlighted the valuable experiences and opportunities that came with being a foreign professional in the country. He acknowledged that, like all professionals, foreign talents may encounter initial cultural differences, but these can be catalysts for personal growth and intercultural exchange. Dr. Kaliski believed that these differences can add unique perspectives to the workplace and create a more diverse and innovative environment.
He emphasized that although foreign professionals may need to demonstrate their skills more clearly, this process can lead to rewarding and well-compensated job opportunities. Companies value the fresh insights and expertise that foreign professionals bring, ultimately contributing to their success.
In terms of academia, Dr. Kaliski viewed collaboration with the industry as a stimulating challenge that can further enhance research and funding prospects. He recognized the unique opportunities this presented and was eager to embrace them for the benefit of his career.
Regarding his teaching experiences, Dr. Kaliski stressed the importance of fostering a deep understanding in education. He encouraged students to actively engage with the subject matter, asking questions and participating in interactive learning experiences. By promoting critical thinking and active participation, he aimed to create a dynamic and enriching educational environment for his students.
As a dedicated researcher and educator, Dr. Kaliski plans to continue to contribute to both industry and academia, enriching the fields of networking, communications, and information security. His experiences serve as an inspiration for those who seek to explore new horizons, embrace cultural diversity, and overcome challenges with determination and passion. Taiwan has left an indelible mark on Dr. Kaliski's life, and he, in turn, encourages others to discover the unique and enriching experiences it has to offer.