My Journey in Taiwan and at CTCI: Experiences, Growth, and Aspirations

— Narasimha Rao Chepuri, Electrical Engineer at Electrical Engineering Department, CTCI Corporation, Group Engineering Business

Could you briefly tell us about yourself?

Hello, my name is Narasimha Rao Chepuri from India. I am an electrical engineer working at CTCI Corp.’s Electrical Engineering Department, which is located at the First Headquarters. Before joining CTCI, I came to Taiwan for studies, thanks to the support of Taiwan Ministry of Education's Taiwan Experience Education Program (TEEP) and National Chin-Yi University of Technology for guiding me towards pursuing a Master's degree at the National Taipei University of Technology.

My international education experience in Taiwan has been transformative. It not only enhanced my academic growth, but has also broadened my perspective, making me adaptable to diverse environments and fostering effective collaboration with individuals from various cultural backgrounds. My journey in Taiwan has been an incredible exploration of both academia and culture. During my time in Taiwan, I have hiked the picturesque trails of Hualien, visited the iconic Taipei 101, and embarked on a thrilling motorbike journey around the island. These experiences have not only deepened my connection to Taiwan, but have also enriched my appreciation for its natural beauty and vibrant culture. Additionally, I have had the pleasure of participating in traditional Taiwanese festivals and sharing delicious meals with local families, further immersing myself in the Taiwanese way of life. My journey through Taiwan has been a delightful blend of academic growth and cultural exploration, and I am excited to bring such cross-cultural experiences to my role at CTCI, help foster communication, and drive creative solutions within our diverse team.

What made you join CTCI?

I joined CTCI about six months ago because of its exceptional industry reputation for excellence and innovation, its global reach, and a diverse project portfolio that offers exciting opportunities for professional growth. The company's long-standing commitment to delivering successful projects and fostering innovation resonated with my own career goals. Moreover, CTCI's focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility stood out to me. As an engineer, I am passionate about contributing to a more sustainable future, and CTCI's dedication to these principles aligns with my values.

During my time at CTCI, I have been impressed by the collaborative and innovative culture of the organization. The dynamic and diverse team I work with, along with the challenging projects we undertake, have further solidified my commitment to the company. I am enthusiastic about the continuous learning and growth opportunities that CTCI offers, and I look forward to contributing to the company's ongoing success as I continue my journey here.

Which country are you from? What interesting cultures or traditions does your country have?

India, with its rich cultural tapestry, is known for its vibrant festivals, religious traditions, and a deep appreciation for art, music, and culinary diversity. Festivals like Diwali and Holi showcase the colorful and joyous spirit of Indian celebrations, while the strong emphasis on religion and spirituality is evident in daily life. India's classical music and dance traditions, such as Carnatic and Bharatanatyam, highlight the country's artistic legacy, and its cuisine, celebrated for its spices and regional specialties, offers a culinary adventure. The diverse regional languages and dialects further exemplify the country's linguistic richness, adding to the mosaic of India's culture. In terms of cultural diversity, India shares many similarities with Taiwan.

What is your native language? How many languages do you speak?

My native language is Telugu, as I am from Andhra Pradesh. Fluent in Telugu and English languages, I can also understand Hindi and Tamil languages to some extent. Surprisingly, I can read Hindi, although my spoken proficiency is limited. Chinese is a difficult language for me to learn, but I am trying my best. 

Could you give us some examples of the foreign culture and people that impress you the most while studying/working overseas?

Throughout my journey studying and working overseas, one of the most fascinating cultural experiences I encountered was during my time in Taiwan. Taiwanese culture, with its strong sense of community and the harmonious blend of modernity and tradition, left a profound impression on me. One scenario that stands out is when I participated in a traditional Taiwanese lantern festival in Taichung. The energy and enthusiasm of the local people as they celebrated the festival were truly infectious. I observed how the entire community came together, regardless of age or background, to partake in the festivities. It was a heartwarming display of unity and cultural pride.

The friendliness and warm hospitality of the Taiwanese people were evident during this festival. They welcomed me with open arms and shared their traditions, offering a glimpse into the cultural richness of Taiwan. It was a reminder of the importance of preserving traditions and the power of community to foster a sense of belonging. This scenario in Taiwan, along with my other overseas experiences, has reinforced my appreciation for cultural diversity.

Could share some interesting experience you had when working in CTCI?

CTCI offered me my first job after graduation, and the work experience here has been incredibly rewarding. What sets CTCI and other companies apart is that CTCI is willing to provide systematic training and development opportunities to fresh graduates who have no prior job experience. The company has offered excellent training over the past months, which has been invaluable in helping me adapt and contribute effectively to the team. Moreover, one memorable event was the recent CTCI Sports Day at the NTU University Sports Center, where CTCI employees came together to participate in various athletic events. It was a fantastic day filled with team spirit and camaraderie, which also shows the company's commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive workplace.

Can you share an example of a challenging situation you faced while adapting to life in Taiwan and how you successfully overcame it?

One of the challenges I encountered during my extended stay in Taiwan was the occasional feeling of homesickness and longing for the familiar. After all, I had not returned to India for over three years. The absence of my family and friends from my home country can sometimes be emotionally challenging. There have been moments when I missed the comfort of my own culture, traditions, and the familiar taste of home-cooked meals. To address this, I have actively sought out expat communities and built connections with both locals and fellow expatriates. These interactions have provided a sense of belonging and have helped alleviate the homesickness. Additionally, embracing Taiwanese culture and traditions, participating in local events, and experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the Taiwanese people have created a sense of home away from home. My journey of staying in Taiwan for an extended period has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but it has taught me the importance of resilience and the beauty of embracing a new culture as a part of one's own life story.