Formosa Dream Chasers

We continue our chat with Hashlaey Bermudez as we dive deeper into her life in Taiwan beyond the classroom. In this episode, she reflects on the key differences between the education systems and work cultures of Taiwan and Honduras, sharing what surprised her most along the way.

From navigating work opportunities to finding her footing in a new industry, she opens up about the challenges of building a career far from home and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Don’t miss this honest and relatable conversation for anyone considering studying or working in Taiwan.

In this episode of Formosa Dream Chasers, we speak with Hashlaey Bermudez, a Honduran student who came to Taiwan to pursue Fashion Management at Ming Chuan University.

Hashlaey shares what motivated her to study abroad, why Taiwan became her chosen destination, and her first impressions upon arriving—from navigating a new culture and language to adjusting to life far from home.

Want to know what it’s really like to study and live in Taiwan as a foreigner? Join us and tune in to how Hashlaey’s journey unfolds.

What does it really take to build a life in Taiwan? We continue our conversation with Professor Ilon Huang, a German language lecturer at National Chengchi University and Soochow University, in part 2 of Formosa Dream Chasers, as he shares his journey of more than 25 years in Taiwan.

After exploring his early days as a Mandarin student and his dual cultural identity last week, this episode goes even deeper. Ilon reflects on the cultural adjustments to his life here, the lessons he learned along the way, and how his work at Radio Taiwan International became a meaningful part of his connection to Taiwan. He also shares heartfelt advice for newcomers hoping to carve out their own path on the island.

Tune in to part 2 of our interview to hear how Ilon’s journey in Taiwan grew from a temporary stay into a place he now calls home.

In this episode of Formosa Dream Chasers, we sit down with Ilon Huang who shares how his 25-year journey in Taiwan began with the simple step of coming here to study Mandarin. What started as a language-learning adventure gradually unfolded into a deeply rooted life on this island he now calls home.

Today, Ilon is a German language lecturer at National Chengchi University and Soochow University, where he inspires students through both language and intercultural understanding. You might also recognize his voice as Ilon is a familiar presence on Radio Taiwan International’s German service, where he hosts programs that bridge Taiwan and German-speaking audiences.

In our conversation, Ilon reflects on the early days of adjusting to life in Taiwan and what is was like as his path evolved from language learner to a working professional. Join us as we explore what it truly means to discover your dreams on Formosa.

In today’s episode, writer and Bandung Pop Darlings author Irfan Muhammad, takes a more reflective look at the life he’s built here in Taiwan—from comparing the media and entertainment industries between Taiwan and Indonesia to the life of migrant workers and South East Asians in this country.

In this final installment, Irfan also shares thoughtful advice for foreign students and musicians hoping to make their own mark, drawing from his experiences navigating culture, community, and creativity.

Stay with us for this final chapter of Irfan’s journey and hear what he’s learned along the way.

ps. If you're curious about Irfan's music recommendation Rub of Rub, you can check out their IG here.

Last week, we sat down with writer and Bandung Pop Darlings author Irfan Muhammad to trace the beginnings of his journey from Indonesia, where we learned how stepping away from a journalism career to pursue further studies opened the door to a new life in Taiwan.

Today's episode continues with Irfan highlighting the diverse Indonesian communities living in Taiwan, the different perspectives they bring, and how their experiences influence the narratives they connect with. He also reflects on the work he’s doing to bridge Indonesian and Taiwanese cultures—amplifying voices, building understanding, and creating space for shared stories.

Join us as we continue the conversation with Irfan Muhammad.

In this episode of Formosa Dream Chasers, we sit down with writer and Bandung Pop Darlings author Irfan Muhammad to trace the journey that brought him from Indonesia all the way to Taiwan.

Now, having lived here for nearly four years, Irfan looks back on the ideas and impressions he and many Indonesians have about Taiwan long before seeing it for themselves. He shares what pushed him to take that big leap, pack his bags, and start a new life in a foreign country.

His path is full of unexpected twists, and Irfan opens up about how each one shaped the person and storyteller he is today. Curious about what drives someone to chase a dream abroad? Tune in to today’s episode and find out.

In last week's episode, we heard some amazing stories of resilience and courage from people who took the leap to build a new life abroad.

This time, we’re continuing that journey with more inspiring voices from guests who came to Taiwan as students. From culture shock to connection, our guests share how studying abroad can be both a challenge, a chance to reinvent yourself, and an opportunity to build connections.

Tune in to this special episode where we highlight the stories from those who dared to chase their dreams far from home.

Over the past two years, I’ve had the amazing privilege of chatting with so many people who have worked hard to pursue their dreams — each with their own story of courage, change, and growth.

In many of our episodes, we’ve interviewed people who relocated as part of their journey. As we celebrate reaching 100 episodes, we’re looking back at some of those conversations to revisit the lessons our guests have shared — lessons that can help anyone thinking about moving abroad for studies, work, or a fresh start in a new country. From learning to adapt to a different culture, to finding community, to dealing with homesickness — these are stories that remind us just how resilient people can be when they step outside their comfort zones.

So whether you’re already living abroad, planning to make the move, or just curious about what that journey looks like, this episode’s for you.

We’ve come a long way with Rhea Leorag these past two episodes — from her experiences finding her place in Taiwan and Seoul, to the insights she’s gained from living in both countries.

When we first met Rhea, she was pursuing her International Master’s in Cultural and Creative Industries at the Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA). Later, she joined an exchange program in Seoul at the Korea National University of Arts, where she studied under the Department of Musicology, focusing on music research.

A fellow Filipino, Rhea is the Digital Marketing Manager for the Asia-Pacific region at ONErpm. Through her work, Rhea not only promotes her artists’ music but also helps their stories reach wider audiences across major platforms like Spotify and YouTube.

Now, in this final part, Rhea opens up about the life lessons she’s gained along the way. Tune in for this inspiring conclusion as Rhea reflects on her journey — one that’s all about growth, purpose, and staying true to your passion no matter where it takes you.