surprised Gambian students in Taiwan.

Many are studying at National Taipei University of Science and Technology and Pingtung University of Science and Technology.

They are now left to worry about their future.

Sarata comes from Gambia

and is studying civil engineering at National Taipei University of Technology.

Upon hearing that Gambia has ended relations with Taiwan,

she felt a little helpless and expressed her wish to keep studying

Government and the people of Taiwan are very, very friendly

and we have received great care from the university and from the people of Taiwan.

National Taipei University of Science and Technology had accepted foreign ministry grants to foster educational exchange amongst countries with diplomatic relations.

For this reason, two special academic programs were formed

one in civil engineering and the other in urban planning.

These programs included undergraduate and graduate study, with a total of 55 Gambian students enrolled.

School authorities believe they have no choice but to comply with the government's official policy.

Also, there are 18 Gambian students currently studying at National Pingtung University of Science.

That they'd expect student dissidents if the students want to continue to stay in Taiwan.

National Pingtung University of Science and Technology says academics and foreign policy should be separate

and is leaning toward putting the desires of the students first.