8,000 miles from home for 15 weeks, Marine Environmental Studies student Will Hamilton saw where a SUNY Maritime degree could take him.

Hamilton was the first Maritime student to participate in the exchange program between the college and National Taiwan Ocean University, spending a full semester living and learning on the university’s campus in Keelung, Taiwan.

“It was an experience different to anything that I had done before, and it was both nerve-wracking and exciting, but I knew I had to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Hamilton. “I”ve always wanted to go to Asia, so this program seemed like a no-brainer.”

During the semester, Hamilton, a junior from Long Island, took courses in the coding program Julia, oceanographics discussion and introduction to Chinese.

“The most interesting things I learned there related to coding, which gave me a new perspective on my field of study,” he said. “A lot of factors play into environmental science that I didn’t think about before. I understand viewing and applying data in a completely new way because of what I learned firsthand there.”

Programming is increasingly important to environmental modeling, forecasting and data collection because of the ways code can help scientists visualize data by producing charts, maps and figures more quickly and easily.

The exchange program was launched two years ago, after Maritime College president Rear Adm. Michael Alfultis and NTOU president Dr. Ching Fong Chang signed a partnership agreement between the two institutions. The agreement and partnership were initiated with support from the Chao family, who founded and lead Foremost Group, an international shipping company with offices in the United States and Asia.

When the partnership was signed, Dr. Kathy Olszewski, chemistry professor and chair of the Department of Science at Maritime, reached out to all of the Marine Environmental Science students to gauge interest in the study abroad program. Hamilton was one of the first to respond, she said. While he was in Taiwan during the spring semester, an NTOU student came to Maritime.

“It’s important for our students to gain a global perspective,” Dr. Olszewski said. “There isn’t a single part of the world that isn’t touched by environmental science or the maritime industry in general. This program is a great opportunity for students to see the world before graduation.”

Outside of class, Hamilton explored the country with the friends he made, most of whom were new to NTOU as well. He noted that one of my favorite places to visit was a town called Jiufen. The town had a view to see the mountains, the cities, and the water all in one spot.

“Some of my favorite memories were in this little ramen place outside NTOU’s gates. The owner would stay open after hours and we’d play cards and talk,” Hamilton said. “I was surprised by how nice everyone was. There was a real sense of approachability with everyone I met.”

After graduation, Hamilton plans to go to graduate school to continue his environmental studies.

“I had such a good time at NTOU and made so many friends that I’m considering going back to get my master’s degree. Everything I did there has made me a more open, globally connected person. I’d jump at the chance to go again.”