Overview
Following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on Friday afternoon, concerns have been raised over the financial well-being of Myanmar students studying in Taiwan. With their families back home grappling with the disaster’s aftermath, students fear potential economic hardships, money transfer difficulties, and uncertainties about returning home.
According to the Ministry of Education (MOE), there are 2,973 students from Myanmar currently studying in Taiwan. Many of them rely on financial support from their families, and the destruction caused by the quake could severely impact their ability to sustain their studies and daily lives.
How the Earthquake Impacts Myanmar Students in Taiwan
1. Financial Struggles Due to Family Hardships
Many students from Myanmar studying in Taiwan come from economically disadvantaged families. The earthquake has not only destroyed infrastructure but also disrupted livelihoods, especially in central Myanmar, where a significant number of ethnic Chinese communities reside.
A junior at Yuan Ze University in Taoyuan explained that while his family in Yangon was not directly affected, many students he knows have families in heavily damaged areas. This could result in delayed or lost financial support, leaving them struggling to pay for tuition, rent, and daily expenses.
A Ph.D. student at National Chi Nan University in Nantou County echoed these concerns. She mentioned that many students rely on remittances from their families, but given the current crisis, banks may not be fully operational, leading to potential delays or blocks in fund transfers.
2. Psychological and Emotional Stress
Aside from financial concerns, many students are deeply worried about their families’ safety and well-being. Constantly checking for updates and trying to contact their relatives has become a daily struggle. This emotional burden may impact their academic performance and mental health.
Recognizing these difficulties, the MOE has instructed universities to provide:
- Counseling services to help students cope with the crisis.
- Flexible learning options such as remote classes and extended deadlines.
- Financial aid for students in immediate need.
3. Travel Concerns Amid Myanmar’s Political Instability
For some students, returning home might not be an option, even in an emergency. Myanmar has been in a state of political turmoil since the military coup in 2021, with ongoing conflicts in various regions.
The Yuan Ze University student noted that even if some students wish to return home to help their families, they fear not being able to return to Taiwan due to travel restrictions, visa issues, and instability in Myanmar.
4. Government and University Support for Myanmar Students
In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Education has urged schools to take special measures for students affected by the disaster:
- Attendance flexibility: Students who need to return home will not face academic penalties.
- Makeup lessons: If students miss classes due to the crisis, schools will provide subsidized tutoring or extra materials.
- Financial assistance: Universities may offer emergency relief funds or waive certain fees to help students in crisis.
The Taiwanese government has also raised its travel alert for Myanmar to “orange,” urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to the country due to increasing safety concerns. Meanwhile, the advisory for Thailand remains “yellow,” meaning travelers should exercise caution.
The Devastating Earthquake: What We Know So Far
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, at a depth of 10 kilometers. It has been one of the most destructive quakes in Myanmar’s history, leaving at least 1,000 people dead, with the toll expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue.
Several countries, including China and India, have sent rescue teams and essential supplies, but international aid has been slow to ramp up. Taiwan has also offered assistance, but Myanmar’s military junta has not yet formally requested international aid.
FAQs
How many Myanmar students are currently studying in Taiwan?
According to the Ministry of Education (MOE), there are 2,973 Myanmar students in Taiwan.
What kind of support is available for affected students?
The MOE has advised universities to provide:
Counseling and psychological support
Flexible learning schedules
Financial aid for those in urgent need
Can Myanmar students return home?
While students can return home, Myanmar’s ongoing political instability raises concerns about whether they can safely return to Taiwan after leaving.
What is the current death toll from the earthquake?
As of now, over 1,000 people have been reported dead, with numbers expected to rise.
Have international rescue teams been deployed?
Yes, China and India have sent rescue personnel and supplies, but international response efforts remain limited.
