MUNCIE, Ind. - A new government in Taiwan and continued tension with mainland China has a pair of Ball State University graduate students closely monitoring the situation.

"The good thing is that the political environment in Taiwan is going to change and the traditional burdens from the Chiang Kai-shek dynasty can be removed by the new government," said Byron Lin, a graduate student from Taipei.

Monica Huang, also a graduate student from Taipei, worries that the change may bring movements and revolution. Lin's concerns center around the possibility of Taiwan declaring independence.

"China has warned that if the Taiwanese government declares independence, the Chinese will show their power and take back their territory," she said.

Even with the new government, Lin is not concerned about his personal freedom.

"I think there won't be much difference before or after the election," he said. "I will still keep the personal freedom I used to have and my daily life should remain the same as it did with the previous government's ruling."

Being aware of what is happening in Taiwan and learning to adjust to the United States has been a balancing act for the students. With this challenge, they are still enjoying Ball State's educational opportunities.

"My adviser in Taiwan graduated from the journalism department here and he suggested that I consider this school," Huang said. "This has been a chance for me to broaden my knowledge away from home and learn how public relations will play an important role in this new century."

Quality academic programs also were encouragement for Lin to study at Ball State.

"My major is actuarial science and the reason I'm here is because of the lack of institutions in Taiwan that have that program," he said. "I was told the program was pretty solid and the cost is cheaper compared to other schools,"

Both Lin and Huang appreciate the teaching style at Ball State and have enjoyed studying and interacting with other students and professors.

In Taiwan, they said, the professor usually teaches everything and students just learn and remember. But here, the professor provides the basic principals and students have to proceed themselves.

"The teachers are more flexible and the relationship between teachers and students are more mutual in class," Huang said.

Lin will work for Conseco after graduation and stay in the United States for several more years. Huang will take the knowledge she has gained back to Taiwan to handle public relations between Taiwan and China in the airline industry.

By Roseanne Durril, Graduate Assistant

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Lin by phone (765) 214-0318 or by e-mail byronclin@hotmail.com or contact Huang by phone (765) 214-0305 or by e-mail mqueenm@hotmail.com.)