Taiwan touched my heart Past Review
By A student (Economics and Chinese Language & Literature, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/11/2012 to 05/31/2013 with
International Chinese Language Program (ICLP): Taipei - National Taiwan University
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a cultural experience that I could never have learned in a classroom. I also gained fluency in Chinese. Previously, I did not have any experience in reading and writing, however, after 9 months of intensive training, I am able to read newspapers and follow news broadcasts.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
All four classes meet five times a week, each for an hour. Everyday I had a one-on-one class as well as three other classes that had up to three other students. Most of the time, there were only two other students so there was plenty of time to practice speaking. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner cost me around $7USD a day. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around $50.00USD |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | N/A |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | The best way to practice Chinese is to find a language exchange partner and practice as often as possible. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | There aren't too many opportunities to meet and interact with local students unless you participate in the university's clubs or sports teams. However, outside of the 4 hour class time and at least 6 hour classwork preparation commitment, there isn't much free time. Just be prepared to work hard and really dig out time to meet locals. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
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